From Havana to Moscow, Cuban cigars have colonized the market because of their high quality. Cuba focuses on producing tobacco because of its excellent weather condition. Besides, the tobacco industry has grown over the years and become an important part of the country’s cultural heritage. If you are a cigar aficionado or plan to get into smoking, here is everything that you need to know about Cuban cigars.
Tobacco Growing and Processing
In Cuba, most of the tobacco is grown in small plots of less than 10 acres (4 ha). However, the growers work together to reach a total of about 165 acres (67 ha) for enhanced production.
The process starts with sowing the seeds in greenhouses before transplanting into the main fields about four weeks later. Then, the plants take about 4 months to mature. The harvesting period is around March and April every year.
During harvesting, the leaves are plucked, bundled together, and hung to dry in a barn. This takes between 45-60 days. Finally, they are removed and packed into wooden crates for further processing. This processing involves sorting the leaves, dampening and flattening. Then, they are fermented for about 90 days.
Further sorting is done to grade the tobacco. In Cuba, this sorting is based on the sourced part of a tobacco plant. For example, mid-to-upper parts of a cigar are strong and made from binder leaves. The binders are found between the wrapper and the filler. The binder leaves have low flavor and can be made from any part of the tobacco plant. The top section of the plant, corona, has the strongest flavor.
In the cigar factory, the leaves are rolled and covered with wrappers. Every cigar features a recipe that shows the type of leaves and ratio. Before they can be released for sale, they have to be kept in humidors for about three weeks.
A Note on Counterfeit Cigars
Because Cuban cigars are known to be of high quality, counterfeits have been created to reap from cigar aficionados. Indeed, counterfeit cigars have become such a huge business and you need to know how to identify them.
- Price: If someone is selling you an overly priced Cuban cigar, take it as the first red flag. In many cases, counterfeit traders charge very high prices but only cash to avoid getting traced back for counterfeits.
- Be careful to check authorization on the package: Note that fake cigars do not just happen in the US. Rather, counterfeiting can also start in Cuba. This means that you could buy a counterfeit cigar from Cuba. To detect this, it is advisable to check the packaging for the label “Made in Cuba” warranty stamp. Then, ask about the guarantee and you will realize the counterfeit traders freeze out. No counterfeiter wants to get entangled with warranties.
- Only work with known suppliers: The only way to be sure of getting the real and quality cigars from Cuba is working with known dealers. If you notice a new supplier who is only a few years into the cigar business, it is important to try and dig more info about his operations. Instead, you should read reviews and interact with other cigar aficionados to identify real suppliers who are committed to quality. You want the best, go with the best sellers.
Top Cuban Cigars
Cohiba Esplendidos
This cigar is ranked among the top five sticks because of its proven flavor and thrill. Though the cigar come at a very high price, it will make you shiver with ecstasy. You will like it because it is perfectly assembled and, therefore, very easy to note counterfeits.
The cigar is constructed with Colorado medio, one of the finest leaves in the tobacco world. Its flavor gives a medium-full bodied taste featuring spicy notes enriched with cocoa and honey. There is no doubt that this is one of the best-tasting cigars.
H. Upmann No. 2
This cigar is one option that collectors at times recoil from because of regular construction related flaws. However, it is difficult to beat when it comes to aroma and taste. But why do people actually smoke cigars? Is it not because of taste?
The good taste of H. Upmann No. 2 is enough to help correct any flaw from its construction. It is a great cigar with vanilla, coffee, honey and cocoa notes. Do not let the construction divert you from the real thrill of this cigar.
It is worth noting that this cigar’s flavor is very consistent. This makes it a great option for novices who are getting into the world of cigars.
Davidoff
This is one of the favorite brands in the globe today. The cigar is named after the famous granddad of tobacco, Davidoff, who gives smokers special sense of pride. Well, who does not like getting associated with pioneers?
The good thing about Davidoff is that it is a mild cigar. However, it also provides perfect complexity that you will rarely get in other brands. Whether you are a novice in cigar smoking or has been in the game for some time, this is one irresistible piece.
Partagas Series P No. 2
When Habanos released this cigar, it was waited with bated breath by cigar aficionados. The cigar comes in a lovely torpedo with impressive 52 ring gauge. The spicy and peppery flavor coupled with even draw has made this cigar a preference for both novices and experienced cigar enthusiasts.
The other notable thing that stands out about this cigar is that it is consistent and affordable. These qualities have made it a great option for especially when practicing to cut a cigar.
Conclusion
Cigars from Cuba feature irresistible flavors that have made them win the hearts of aficionados across the globe. The favorable climate in Cuba and developed cigar industry makes it possible to release top quality cigars every cigar enthusiast want to be associated to. Though the problem of counterfeits still abound, all you need is to understand how to identify them. If you want the best smoking thrill from cigars, go for real sticks produced from Cuba.
