Whether you're a seasoned cigar aficionado or a curious beginner, understanding the terminology of cigars can significantly enhance your smoking experience. This comprehensive list of cigar terms will help you familiarize yourself with key lingo in the world of cigars, making you more knowledgeable and confident in your selections and discussions.

A

Aging

The process of letting cigars rest in a controlled environment to enhance their flavors and aromas. Cigars that have been properly aged tend to have a smoother and more refined taste.

Amatista

A glass jar used to store and sell cigars and pipe tobacco, helping to maintain the humidity and freshness of the cigars over time.

Aroma

The scent or smell of a cigar, which plays a significant role in the overall smoking experience. A cigar's aroma can range from sweet and floral to spicy and earthy.

Ash

The residue left after the tobacco has burned. The color and texture of the ash can indicate the quality of the cigar and the tobacco used.

Aroma Wheel

A tool used by cigar aficionados to identify and describe the various aromas present in a cigar. The wheel breaks down scents into categories, making it easier to pinpoint specific notes.

B

Binder

The tobacco leaf used to hold the filler tobacco together. The binder contributes to the cigar's combustion and flavor, playing a crucial role in the overall smoking experience.

Blend

The combination of different tobacco types used in a cigar, which determines its flavor profile. Master blenders skillfully mix various tobaccos to create unique and desirable flavors.

Box-Pressed

A cigar with a flattened shape, typically achieved by storing the cigars in a box with heavy pressure applied. The box-pressed technique can affect the draw and flavor of the cigar.

Bunching

The process of arranging filler tobacco leaves before wrapping them with the binder. This step is crucial for ensuring an even burn and proper airflow through the cigar.

Burro

A term used to describe dry or stale cigars. Proper storage and maintenance are essential to prevent your cigars from becoming burro.

C

Cap

The rounded piece of wrapper leaf that covers the head of a cigar. It's the part of the cigar that you cut before smoking.

Capa

Another word for a wrapper leaf, often used in Spanish-speaking countries. The capa is the outermost layer of a cigar and can greatly influence its flavor.

Carona

A very long and thin cigar, typically measuring around 9 inches in length with a ring gauge of 42 or lower. These cigars offer a unique smoking experience due to their size and shape.

Cellophane

The plastic wrapping that covers individual cigars or boxes. While cellophane is often used for packaging, it's not necessary for storing cigars as it can prevent proper humidity levels.

Connecticut

A type of wrapper leaf known for its light color and mild flavor. Connecticut wrappers, often grown in the Connecticut River Valley in the United States or in Ecuador, are prized for their silky texture and subtle sweetness. These wrappers are commonly used in mild to medium-bodied cigars and are favoured by both novice and experienced smokers who appreciate a smoother smoking experience.

D

Draw

The amount of air that flows through a lit cigar. A good draw ensures a balanced and enjoyable smoking experience, while a poor draw can make the cigar difficult to smoke.

Double Corona

A larger version of the classic corona vitola, measuring around 7.5 inches in length with a ring gauge of 50 or higher. These cigars provide a longer smoking experience and can often have more complex flavors.

Draw Tool

A small tool used to open up the draw of a cigar if it's too tight. This is especially helpful for handmade cigars that may not have consistent draws throughout a box.

E

Emboquillado

The process of combining two different types of filler tobacco leaves to create one bunch. This technique allows for more complex blends and flavors in cigars.

F

Filler

The blend of tobacco leaves inside the cigar that determines its strength, flavor, and aroma. The filler is the core of the cigar, surrounded by the binder and wrapper.

Foot

The end of the cigar that is lit. Opposite to the head, the foot is crucial for initiating the burn and releasing the flavors.

Figurado

A cigar with an irregular shape, often tapered at the head or foot. These cigars can be challenging to roll and require skilled craftsmanship.

Flavor Profile

The overall taste experience of a cigar, including notes of sweetness, bitterness, spiciness, and more. The flavor profile is determined by the blend of tobaccos used in the filler, binder, and wrapper.

Foot Band

A small band placed around the foot of a cigar for decorative purposes. It's typically removed before smoking but can add an extra touch of elegance to a cigar's presentation.

G

Gauge

Another term for the ring gauge, measuring a cigar's diameter in 64ths of an inch. This measurement is used to describe the size and shape of a cigar.

Gran Corona

A larger version of the corona vitola, typically measuring around 6 inches in length with a ring gauge of 50 or higher. These cigars offer a longer smoking experience than traditional coronas.

H

Handmade/Hecho A Mano

Cigars that are rolled entirely by hand, without the use of machines. Handmade cigars require skilled labor and are often considered to be of higher quality.

Havana Seed

A type of tobacco seed originally grown in Cuba and now used to grow tobacco in other countries. Havana seed is known for its rich flavor and aroma.

Humidor

A special box or room designed to store cigars at a consistent humidity level, preserving their freshness and flavors. Without proper humidity levels, cigars can become dry and lose their quality.

I

Infused Cigars

Cigars that have been flavored with herbs, fruits, or other substances during the aging process. These cigars offer unique and often sweet flavors but are not considered traditional premium cigars.

J

Julep Strainer

A tool used by cigar rollers to shape the cap of a cigar before finishing it. This step helps to ensure a smooth and consistent draw.

K

Kiln Drying

A process used to remove excess moisture from tobacco leaves before they are rolled into cigars. Kiln drying can affect the flavor and aroma of a cigar, making it a controversial practice among manufacturers.

L

Lonsdale

A slim cigar measuring around 6 inches in length with a ring gauge of 42-44. These cigars offer a balanced smoking experience and are often favored by aficionados.

Long Filler

The higher quality tobacco leaves used in the filler of a cigar, typically long and whole leaves. Long filler provides a more even burn and better flavor than short or mixed filler.

M

Maduro

A dark-colored wrapper leaf often associated with strong and full-bodied cigars. The maduro wrapper is achieved through longer fermentation of the tobacco leaves, resulting in richer flavors.

Mareva

A classic vitola measuring around 5 inches in length with a ring gauge of 42. These cigars are known for their balance and are popular among smokers of all levels.

Mouthfeel

The physical sensation of smoking a cigar, including factors such as the draw, burn, and texture of the smoke. A cigar's mouthfeel can greatly contribute to its overall smoking experience.

N

Non-Cuban Cigars

Cigars made in countries other than Cuba, often known as New World cigars. While Cuban cigars are highly sought after, non-Cuban cigars offer a wide variety of flavors and styles to choose from.

O

Oscuro

A very dark-colored wrapper leaf, typically found on full-bodied cigars. The oscuro wrapper is achieved through extended fermentation of the tobacco leaves.

P

Parejo

A traditional cigar shape with a straight cylindrical body and rounded head. Parejo cigars are the most common type of cigar, often referred to as "straight-sided."

Perfecto

A cigar shape that tapers at both ends, similar to a figurado but with a more pronounced taper. These cigars require skilled rolling techniques and often offer complex flavors.

Q

Quarter Filler

A lower quality tobacco leaf used in the filler of a cigar. Quarter filler leaves may be chopped or shredded rather than whole leaves, resulting in an uneven burn and less flavor.

R

Ring Gauge

The measurement of a cigar's diameter in 64ths of an inch, typically ranging from 26 to 60. Generally, the larger the ring gauge, the longer and thicker the cigar.

Rosado

A reddish-brown wrapper leaf often associated with medium-bodied cigars. The rosado color is achieved through shorter fermentation of tobacco leaves and can offer a sweeter flavor.

S

Short Filler

A lower quality tobacco leaf used in the filler of machine-made, non-premium cigars. Short filler leaves may be chopped or shredded rather than whole leaves, resulting in an uneven burn and less flavor.

Smoke Rings

Circular patterns made by blowing smoke through the mouth or nose, often seen as a sign of skilled smoking. While not necessary for enjoying cigars, some smokers enjoy practicing this technique.

T

Torcedor

A cigar roller who has undergone extensive training and is skilled in rolling cigars by hand. The term comes from the Spanish word "torcer," meaning "to twist."

Torpedo

A type of cigar shape that tapers to a point at the band end. These require a straight cut and funnel the flow of smoke to the cut point.

Triple Cap

The three layers of wrapper leaf used to finish the head of a cigar, providing a clean and even cut for smoking.

U

Upmann

A popular brand of premium cigars known for their rich and complex flavors. The H.Upmann brand was founded in Cuba in 1844 and continues to produce high-quality cigars today.

V

Vitola

A term used to describe the size, shape, and format of a cigar. Different vitolas can offer unique smoking experiences based on their size and composition.

Volado

The lower quality tobacco leaf used in the filler of a cigar, typically found at the center of the filler blend. While not as flavorful as long filler, volado leaves can help with the overall combustion of a cigar.

W

Wood Aging

A process used to add flavor and complexity to cigars by storing them in wooden barrels or crates. This aging process can take anywhere from a few months to several years.

Did we miss anything? Comment below and add to the knowledge base! If you have local lingo or your lounge calls things by other names, let us know!

The Ultimate Cigar Lingo Glossary

A