Everything You Need To Know About Cigars

Cigars have been around for centuries, and their popularity has only grown recently. Whether you’re a seasoned smoker or just getting started, there’s much to learn about cigars. 

This guide will cover everything you need to know about cigars, from choosing the right one to lighting and smoking it. Whether you are new to smoking cigars or have enjoyed them for several years, you will finish this article knowing more about cigars than when you began. It is exciting! 

Having provided clients around the UK with cigars for several years, our team is always more than happy to share our knowledge and expertise in the field here at Oban Whiskey And Fine Wines. If you have any questions or queries at the end of reading this article, be sure to reach out, we will happily answer any questions or queries you have. 

What Are Cigars?

Cigars are tightly rolled bundles of dried and fermented tobacco designed to be smoked. The filler is made from the tobacco and the binder, but the wrapper is always made from either a natural leaf or a leaf made from artificial materials; countries around the world make cigars differently, offering a vast collection of cigars with different flavours, smells and even textures. 

Cigars are often given as gifts, smoked on special occasions, or enjoyed as a luxurious treat. They can be purchased pre-rolled or in a roll-your-own format; the former is more convenient, while the latter offers smokers the opportunity to personalise their cigar smoking experience. 

Cigar smoking has been around for centuries, with the first recorded cigar being smoked in 15th-century Cuba. Cuban cigars are also one of the most popular on the market. However, it is worth noting they didn’t originate from Cuba. Cigars do not have a set-in-stone heritage that is widely known; we mean it is not known where they came from initially. But cigar smoking can be traced back to the Ancient Mayans, with a 10th Century ceramic pot in Guatemala showing a man smoking rolled up leaves held together with string. 

Fast forward to the 20th century, when cigars became increasingly popular in the Western world, thanks partly to famous cigar smokers such as Winston Churchill and John F. Kennedy. Nowadays, cigars are smoked for various reasons, including relaxation, celebrations, and even as a way to socialise. 

What Are The Three Components Of A Cigar? 

All cigars contain three main components: the filler, the binder, and the wrapper. With all cigars coming in a range of shapes, flavours and sizes, these three aspects are a constant across all cigars; let’s look into these pieces individually. 

Filler

The filler is the innermost part of the cigar and is made up of tobacco leaves. The leaves are rolled up into a tube shape and held together by the binder. The filler is where all of the flavours for the cigar come from; it can be made up of either one kind of tobacco or a blend to create a unique flavour. Depending on preference, you can choose between a longleaf filler or a cut-shortleaf filler. 

The Wrapper

The wrapper is the outermost layer of the cigar and is made up of a tobacco leaf. This leaf is usually darker in colour than the leaves used for the filler and binder, and its flavour can also be more robust. The wrapper gives the cigar its final appearance; it can be smooth or have a rough texture, and it should be the first thing you look at when choosing your cigars. It will give you an indication of how the cigar will smoke as well as taste. 

The Binder 

The binder is the middle layer that will keep the cigar in one piece; this is where you will find the company or brand logo and anything that identifies where the cigar was made.  

What Are The Different Types Of Cigars? 

Cigars come in different shapes, sizes and styles, all of which will affect the smoking experience. One of the most common ways of classifying a cigar is through sizing; with this in mind, cigars have been sold in various sizes for several years, which means they can meet the smoker’s needs every time. Let’s look at the three most popular sizes; 

Cigarillos 

Cigarillos are a minor type of cigar, measuring just 3-4 inches in length with a thin gauge. They are usually made with short filler tobaccos and have a paper or wood tip. Cigarillos have been designed to be faster smoke than a regular cigar, perfect for those who want to smoke something quickly or for smokers who do not have time to sit and enjoy a full cigar. 

Large Cigars 

The next size up from a Cigarillo is, of course, a large cigar. These can be anything from 4 to 8 inches long and usually have a thicker gauge than Cigarillos. Large cigars are made with long filler tobaccos, which run the entire length of the cigar as opposed to being bunched up in the middle. On average, this type of cigar takes around an hour or two hours to smoke; it is to be enjoyed slowly. 

Little Cigars 

Cigars called little are usually 3 inches or less in length and have a ring gauge of 20 or below. Once again, the tobacco used is a long filler, often packaged in tins or small wooden boxes. Like Cigarillos, little cigars can be enjoyed quickly – usually taking the same time to smoke as a regular cigarette. 

Choose Oban Whiskey And Fine Wines For Cigars Today

Cigars are a unique and exciting product, and we hope this blog post has given you a better understanding of what they are, how to smoke them, and the different types available. 

If you’re interested in trying cigars or want to learn more about the Oban Whiskey And Fine Wines selection of fine cigars, be sure to contact us today. Our team would be happy to help you find the perfect cigar for your taste and smoking preferences. Let our team help you find the cigar that you will be able to savour.