Cuban Cigar Aficionados

Three of your five senses are involved when selecting a uban cigar. Sight, touch and smell!

1. SIGHT:

The cigar wrapper must appeal to the eye. While some might prefer a lighter, or Claro color, others might choose a dark chocolate or Maduro wrapper. Similar to winetasting, Cuban cigar flavors are subjective and purely a matter of personal taste.

The range in color of a Cuban cigar depends on:
How the plant was grown, as shaded plants have lighter colors, while fully exposed plants are darker.
The section of the plant the leaf came from, as bottom and middle leaves are lighter and the top leaves tend to be darker (more sun exposure).
The fermentation period, as longer fermentation leads to darker leaves.

The Color Range of Cuban cigars is as Follows

Double Claro - Green to Greenish Brown

Also called Claro Claro, Jade, or candela - greenish brown. The color is achieved by picking the leaf before it reaches maturity and then drying it rapidly. Very mild, almost bland, with very little oil.

Claro - Light Tan

Pale brown, like milky coffee. The classic mild cigar color. The color is also called " natural ", as is colorado claro.

Colorado Claro - Tawny, Mid-Brown

Mild-brown, tawny.

Colorado Reddish - Dark Brown

Reddish dark brown, aromatic. This color is associated with well-matured cigars.

Colorado Maduro - Dark Brown to Very Dark Brown

Dark brown, medium strength, rather more aromatic than maduro. Usually gives a rich flavor.

Oscuro - Very Dark Brown Almost Black

More or less black. Very strong with little bouquet. Wrappers of this color though one popular, are rarely produced today.

2. TOUCH: Your Cuban cigar should feel firm but cushiony to the touch.

3. SMELL: Rich aromas should emerge from both the cigar box and the foot of the Cuban cigar.

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As the aromas and flavours of a wine develop with age so do those of exceptional Cuban cigars, provided, of course, they are stored at proper temperatures.

Any Cuban cigar aficionado, with plans to keep Cuban cigars over a period of time, should have access to a humidor.

Temperatures within the humidor should be maintained at 16-18°C (60-64°F) and humidity levels for your Cuban cigars should be kept anywhere between 65 to 70 %. These levels are crucial to maintaining the perfect environment for your Cuban cigar, as a dry cigar can be unduly harsh and an overly moist Cuban cigar can be a tough light.

A Cuban cigar should be cut above the cap line, just before the curved end of the Cuban cigar begins to straighten.

The objective is to create an aperture without damaging the overall structure.
A double or single bladed cutter, a special Cuban cigar scissor or a punch cutter with a circular blade are all different types of cigar cutters.

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Lighting a Cuban cigar is a ritual in itself.

To begin, always use a butane lighter or a cedar or wooden matchstick to light your Cuban cigars. Petrol lighters, candles and wax matches all impart unpleasant odors that a Cuban cigar is quick to absorb.

Always remember that a Cuban cigar must be lit with patience and tranquillity. A poorly lit Cuban Habano can quickly spoil the overall experience.

Hold your cigar at a 90° angle above the flame of your lighter. Patiently twist the Cuban cigar until all parts of the foot are evenly charred. With the flame still under the foot, place the Cuban cigar to your lips puffing gently until the flames jump up. Continue rotating your Cuban cigar while occasionally blowing on the foot to ensure an even burn.

Allowing the ashes to gently fall and rolling these off onto the edge of the ashtray, are both perfectly acceptable.

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Connaisseurs of Cuban cigars often note that one must be very mindful when savoring a great cigar. A Habano should be smoked slowly to ensure a harmonious marriage of the rich and savoury aromas, simply relax and enjoy the moment.

While savoring your Cuban cigar, notice the subtle differences in taste, colour, smell and sight.
Ascribing personalized scents and colours is similar to savouring a berry-filled Bordeaux or a Gerwüstraminer exploding with tropical fruit.
Identifying the various flavors of a Cuban cigar is a learned trait that develops through practice, practice and practice.
Your enjoyment of a Cuban cigar is entirely subjective and should always be open to personal interpretations and references.

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Cuban cigars in the hand: Pliable, soft, delicate, supple, tender, thick, rough, tight, sticky, oily, silky, compact, dry.

Cuban cigars on the nose: Young leather, tanned leather, animal, spicy, piquant, sharp, bean (vanilla, cocoa, coffee), appealing, persistent, woody, floral, fruity, subtle, weak, short-lived, green.

Cuban cigars in the mouth: Tangy, piquant, tannic, strong, exotic, peppery, spicy, hot; burning, fruity, oily, sweet, sugary, butterscotch, caramel, toffee, woodsy, floral, grassy, blunt, flat, coffee, liquorice, cedary, nutty, cherry, orange-peel, citrus, nutty, almond, chestnut.

Cuban cigars to the eyes: From light to dark: Double Claro, Claro, Colorado Claro, Colorado, Colorado Maduro, Maduro, Oscuro.

Cuban cigar sensations: Persistent, promising, discreet, hard-hitting, distant, generous, full, opulent, rich muscular, understated, linear.

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There is a very simple way to calibrate your hygrometer, doing it yourself will asure you that it marks the correct humidity for your Cuban cigars.

Take a wet towel (not dripping wet, but wet enough) and wrap it completely around your hygrometer. Wait about half an hour, the reading should be of 98% or more, if this is so, your hygrometer is calibrated and you do not need to re-calibrate.

If the reading is off, turn the screw on the back of the hygrometer until it reads 98%. You have properly calibrated the hygrometer for your Cuban cigars.

It is recomended that you calibrate your hygrometer at least once a year, twice a year is ideal. Also, never use tap water instead of distilled water in your humidifier as tap water contains residue and minerals which can be deposited inside the hygrometer, causing bad odors and unpleasant tastes on your Cuban cigars.

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