Aging

The process of aging cigars in a humidor. Over time, the aromas become more harmonious, like wine or whiskey.

Binder

The leaf that holds the filling together, like the spine of a cigar.

Box-pressed

Square-shaped cigars, pressed in a box. Visually striking, burn more slowly.

Capa (omot)

The outer leaf of a cigar, its skin. It gives the visual impression and the first touch with the aroma.

Colorado

Wrapper color code: medium brown, between natural and maduro shades.

Draw

The resistance of a cigar to smoke. A good draw means a pleasant, unobstructed flow of smoke.

Filler

Cigar filling – a mixture of different leaves (ligero, seco, volado) that form the heart of the flavor.

Handmade (Hecho a mano)

Cigars made entirely by hand. The standard of quality in the premium world.

Humidor

A box or room for storing cigars at optimal humidity and temperature.

Ligero

Leaves from the top of the plant. Full of power and nicotine, they give intensity.

Long filler

Cigars filled with whole tobacco leaves (highest quality).

Maduro

Dark, aged wrapper leaf. Brings sweetness, chocolate and earthy tones.

Retrohale

A technique of drawing smoke through the nose, which reveals additional aromas.

Ring gauge

The thickness of a cigar, measured in 64ths of an inch. Higher numbers = thicker cigar.

Seco

Leaves from the middle of the plant. They provide balance and aroma.

Short filler

Cigars filled with shredded leaves. Shorter duration, simpler construction.

Snaga

The level of cigar strength – from light to full.

Vitola

A name for the shape and dimensions of a cigar. Each vitola has its own character.

Volado

Leaves from the bottom of the plant. Weaker in aroma, but necessary for even burning.