THE ALLURE OF THE CIGAR 101

Cigars have an old-fashioned yet totally cool vibe that oozes character, class and pleasure. Smoking a cigar is a deep and reflective process, much like enjoying a fine wine – about what we happen to know a lot. In the late 19th century, cigar smoking was considered a leisurely pursuit reserved for the rich as proof of their wealth and status, and today it is more accessible to all.

Historically speaking

Christopher Columbus was not impressed when he first landed in what is known today as Cuba. Instead of treasure, he encountered local savages and their Tobacco called Cohiba. Fortunately for cigar lovers today, the savages introduced him to smoking, and he introduced Cuban Tobacco to the Western World as one of the first-ever globally traded goods.
The word ‘cigar’ comes from the Spanish word, ‘Cigarro’, most likely stemming from a Mayan root, ‘sicar’. The original meaning was “to smoke rolled tobacco leaves”.

Behind the Scenes

Cigars are a natural and artisanal product; not a single leaf is chemically treated or artificially altered for taste. Everything from colour to flavour is entirely natural.
Tobacco is primarily grown in the tropics and is one of the most labour-intensive crops to cultivate. Creating a cigar includes harvesting tobacco leaves, then cutting and hanging them up to dry before processing; as the next step, tobacco is rolled into thin sheets called “blades” which must be prepared carefully to ensure that the cigar burns evenly. To be able to roll, fermented tobacco leaves must be at an optimal (high) humidity level. The taste and aroma results from this process which varies depending on the type of cigar. A highly skilled cigar roller is called a “torcedor”, who can produce around 200 cigars a day. Cigar humidors – made from Spanish cedar wood – are a vital part of the process. A cigar can age for a lifetime and become something glorious when kept in optimum conditions. You can puff a cigar anywhere from 40 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the size and type of blend – and you should not rush like smoking a cigarette.

‘Close but no cigar.’

Do you know where this common saying comes from? Many years ago, cigars were handed out as prizes for games at the local fair (instead of teddy bears), so this phrase was coined by the carnival workers operating the games.
Health check
They say it takes only three cigars to get addicted and that to quit the habit, and you should cut back very slowly to avoid tobacco withdrawal syndrome, which could be life-threatening.
Legendary writer Mark Twain smoked 300 cigars a month. He quit the habit, leading him to suffer from writer’s block for three months. He resumed the routine, and it only took another three months to complete his next book.
According to the American Cancer Society, cigars don’t contain anywhere near as many toxic ingredients as cigarettes. Still, it is also proven that those who smoke cigars heavily, or inhale deeply, will increase their risk of developing lung disease – so everything is in moderation, as they say.
Cigars are known to reduce stress, and psychiatrists often prescribe them to their patients; they also supposedly reduce the risk of contracting Parkinsons’ disease. Freud had something to say about their sexually stimulating effect. I am sure you will agree; they are rather sexy in the right hands.

Choosing the right cigar