The best cigars

All over the world, every effort is being made to stop smoking cigarettes. Many studies have shown harm from this habit. On the other hand, smoking cigars, which are significantly different from the smaller "brothers".

Today they can be freely purchased in the store or ordered online. But, there was a time when this small bundle of tobacco leaves could not be obtained by any means. They could be received only by the chosen and honored guests.

Over the centuries of history, the best Cuban cigars have formed a whole cult and acquired a real army of fans and avid fans. Among them are all segments of the population: from simple hard workers who taste the aroma only on holidays, to world-famous stars and even presidents.

For example, Winston Churchill practically never parted with cigars and smoked at least 15 cigars a day. It is known that John Kenedy imposed a ban on any trade relations with Cuba, which produces the best brands in the world. Only few people know that about 1200 units were personally brought to him before the signing of the corresponding document.

Scientists have done a lot of research, during which they have not been able to come to a single opinion on the benefits that a real Cuban cigar can bring. Many famous personalities, for example, the Queen of France, Catherine de Medici, used good cigars to treat various ailments.

History of cigars

For the first time they started talking about them on the "Santa Maria", a ship known thanks to Christopher Columbus. Crew members described Indians smoking strange packages. Already in the 17th century, they managed to get a cigar, which opened a new chapter in history. The main places of steel production:

• Cuba,
• Germany,
• France,
• USA.

In the 20th century, doctors even recommended pregnant women to smoke tobacco rolls of leaves so that they would not get fat. Today, the most expensive and high-quality cigars are considered to be produced in their homeland - Cuba. In 2006, the most expensive cigar was sold, which cost $ 1150.

Cigar production - removal of impurities

One of the determining factors of quality is the plantation on which the tobacco is grown. Only the highest quality leaves that meet a wide range of requirements can produce the finest Cuban cigars. No self-respecting factory uses any pesticides or chemicals. They will simply spoil the taste and aroma, for the sake of which these small bundles are acquired.

The thinnest and rarest leaves are selected for the factory, which go to the first stage of production - fermentation. This process is so complex that it consists of several stages. As a result, taste should improve and the content of various impurities should be minimized, including:

• nicotine,
• different types of resins,
• ammonium.

At the first stage, the selected leaves are dried in sealed bags. Then they move to a special room that will not get sunlight. During this process, the tobacco leaves acquire exceptional flavors. At the final stage of fermentation, the maximum possible purification from various impurities occurs.

Cuban cigars, which are produced in famous factories in Cuba, have a unique aroma and excellent taste sensations due to the fact that they pass all stages of fermentation without fail. This guarantees quality worthy of the best brand.

Tobacco preparation

Before the leaves of tobacco can be used, they must go a long enough way through the workshops of the factory, and in order to prevent even the slightest mistake or oversight, tabaquero is closely watching each leaf. These are specially trained workers, whose main task is to control every stage of production.

All deformed leaves and accidentally caught insects are preliminarily removed. Experienced workers perform sorting according to various criteria:

• size,
• thickness,
• color,
• quality.

To get really the best Cuban cigars, the leaves go to the blend - the stage at which the varietal preparation is performed, after which they go to the mixing. This process is one of the most important because it is necessary to correctly identify the aroma of essential oils.

It depends on how correctly the mixture will be selected and compiled for a certain variety. This is done by real professionals who have passed a selection of grandiose complexity. Getting such a job is not only difficult, it is almost impossible.

Perfect shape

Tobacco growers are people who are responsible for the correct shape of a cigar, the price of which depends not only on quality, but also on its appearance. They masterfully handle chavet, a special knife used to trim the edges of the leaves and carve out the stem.

Due to the fact that a real cigar consists of a single sheet, the air passes through it unhindered, guaranteeing an indescribable aroma. There are three sheets inside at once. One of them has a pleasant aroma, the second provides a mild flavor, and the third is needed for good combustion.

A cigar box contains cigars of the same color and thickness. The people who control this process have world-famous names and vast experience. This is a very responsible position.

No automation

It is worth noting that there is no automation at all in factories. All processes are carried out exclusively by hand: from collecting the necessary sheets to gluing special tags. That is why Cuban cigars in Moscow or any other city can be purchased exclusively at a high price. If a so-called budget option is offered, then it is either a fake or a low quality cigar.

Usually these tobacco products are stored in special boxes. The cigar box is made of noble wood. This allows for near-ideal storage conditions. The main requirement is the absence of temperature drops. If you do not take it into account, then there is a risk of the appearance of tobacco beetles.

Today, Cuban cigars in Moscow and other cities around the world offer just a huge assortment. It is not a problem for an experienced smoker to make a choice, but for a beginner it will be quite difficult to decide. Among the many brands, there are some truly outstanding brands with a rich history.

COHIBA

Many fans around the world will definitely answer the question which cigars are the best - the best Cuban cigars are COHIBA. This brand is constantly setting the bar, which is very difficult for many to reach. Exceptionally high-quality products are produced, known for a huge palette of tastes and aromas.

A distinctive feature is the ring, which immediately catches the eye with its three colors - orange, white and black. The name COHIBA comes from the Indians who called the tobacco plant that way. It stuck and became known all over the world.

BOLIVAR

The main differences of this brand, by which it is quite easy to identify it, are a wide range of tastes and a very unattractive appearance. As for the taste and aroma, they start from extremely soft and end with brutally strong. Anyone can purchase a set of BOLIVAR Cuban cigars to their liking and enjoy the purchase to the fullest.

If we talk about the appearance, then many experts expressed their bewilderment. Cigars with such delicious taste do not have the best appearance and at first glance it may seem that they are of poor quality.But those who have tried BOLIVAR cigars at least once were fully satisfied.

LA FLOR DE CANO

This brand became recognizable only in the eighties of the last century. It owes its success to a simple formula that works in almost all areas. The creators have combined exceptional quality tobacco and excellent cigar shape.

The brand is most widespread among young people, thanks to its slightly sweet taste. The disadvantages of this brand include a relatively small assortment.

LA GLORIA CUBANA

Most of the fans will say that the cigars of this brand have a mild, not too aggressive taste. Thanks to him, the number of brand lovers is growing rapidly. But LA GLORIA CUBANA can offer a fairly large assortment: from pleasant aromas to original and harsh ones.

HOYO DE MONTERREY

It is difficult to find a cigar lover who does not know the HOYO DE MONTERREY brand. Most of them started smoking with this brand. The fact is that the simplest cigars burn evenly and offer a taste sensation that most beginners love.

The factory is known all over the world for its secret. All cigars have a specific pleasant aroma. An interesting combination of floral aromas creates a sweet sensation. This brand has a very interesting and rich history. A noble brand, whose craftsmen carefully guard their secrets.

H. UPMANN

A fairly "adult" brand that produces a varied assortment, but the highlight is the cigars with the so-called scratching taste. Connoisseurs found something noble and rare in this, everyone else did not understand the idea. Despite the fact that the brand has lost some of its fans, there are still many adherents who regularly use cigars of this particular brand.

Every year, new ratings of the best brands are compiled, cigars are produced, the price of which seems simply unrealistic. One thing is invariable, for many years the best tobacco products made in Cuba have been.

For beginners, it is best to start with "simple" cigars with a neutral flavor. This will allow you to get used to and understand the taste of the cigar. Then you can experiment to find the best one for yourself. Each brand has a lot to offer, so it's worth trying all of them first.

Smoking cigars is an activity for sophisticated smokers. By themselves, cigars are very different from cigarettes both in their "structure" and in the sensation of smoking. If shredded tobacco is used in cigarettes, then the cigar is a whole tobacco leaf, rolled in a certain way.

Anyone who smokes cigars, or is just about to try it, knows what signs distinguish a good cigar from a low-quality counterfeit.

• The sheet should be smooth to the touch and have a fine texture.
• The cigar itself should be firm and firm to the touch - this is an indicator that it is properly rolled.
• Good cigars are necessarily hand-rolled.
• There must be individual packaging and all the necessary stickers.

As for the country of origin, it was believed for a very long time that the best cigars are Cuban. Today this opinion has long been debunked. Of course, Cuban cigars are the most popular, but besides them, good cigars can be from the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua and Honduras. Considering how diverse the tobacco market is today, the cigar rating will help to answer the question of which cigars are the most popular.

The best cigars

Cigar ratings are compiled and updated every year. Only those who understand them and regularly smoke can tell which cigars are the best.

10 position: Romeo y Julieta

These are popular Cuban cigars that have been known to the world for over 10 years. The cigars themselves are characterized by a classic noble taste, as well as the complexity and complexity of their composition.

9th position: Partagás

These are also Cuban cigars, which can be classified as classics with more than 10 years of aging. Good enough strong cigars that can delight fans of traditional Cuban flavor.

8 position: Davidoff Special R Tubos

Cigars from the Dominican Republic, the most unusual in their appearance. And although the shape of a cigar is not the most important indicator of its quality, nevertheless, the best varieties of tobacco from the Dominican Republic do their job, so Davidoff Special R Tubos are on solid positions in the rating.

7th position: Dunhill Signed Range Toro

The country of origin of these cigars is Nicaragua. The secret of these cigars is that they are made from quality tobacco that grows in a very suitable climate. The quality of the tobacco determines the rich taste of the cigar.

6th position: Partagás - Serie D No.2

These cigars also belong to the Cuban "classics" and carry the most striking features of the Cuban style. Despite their large size, the cigars themselves are not tightly rolled, so they are not at all as strong as they seem at first glance.

5 position: Oliva Serie V Torpedo

This sophisticated cigar is native to Nicaragua. The unusual shape and “filling” of different tobacco leaves make this cigar very attractive. Such cigars are especially popular among Americans, who value them not only for their unusual and very harmonious taste, but also for an affordable price.

4th position: Padron Serie 1926 No. 1 Maduro

For cigars of non-Cuban origin, this specimen is simply "aerobatics". The cigar is not for everyday smoking, which is more associated with the attribute of status and prestige. It looks very elegant and is very harmonious in terms of the combination of taste and strength.

3rd position: Partagas Shorts

A short Cuban cigar with nothing superfluous in its aroma and taste: tobacco, honey and vanilla flavor. It is recommended to keep this cigar at home for about a month before smoking.

2nd position: Partagas 8-9-8 (43 x 170)

Long and thin Cuban cigar with fruity flavors. At first glance, this cigar seems completely ordinary, but in fact it is a great example of Cuban tobacco.

1st position: Por Larrañaga Robustos de Larrañaga ER 2007 Asia Pacific

The uniqueness of this Cuban cigar lies in the very rare wrapper leaf. The cigar itself is quite strong and very aromatic, with notes of wood, caramel and spices. Each puff gives a unique taste and aroma. Of course, these cigars are quite expensive, but their quality and taste justify the price.

This rating is compiled in ascending order and will help you navigate when choosing a cigar. As you can see, cigars from Cuba are still on the first lines of the rating, but besides Cuban cigars, other variants of these tobacco products also occupy strong positions. You can only make your own rating based on personal experience, because no matter how good the research is, personal preferences decide everything.

Smoking cigars does not tolerate fuss, this is a hobby for sophisticated smokers. Cigars differ from ordinary cigarettes in design, sensations during smoking and aftertaste. Habitual cigarettes are filled with shredded tobacco. At the same time, what is a cigar? These are rolled tobacco leaves. To find out which cigars are the best, you will need to delve into this difficult process and find out what forms, strength, taste, color and origin of a cigar are.

The strength and taste of a cigar is influenced not only by the location of the plantation on which the tobacco is grown, but also by the location of the leaf on the plant. The upper leaves are the smallest and most dense, therefore they are also the strongest. The leaves located in the middle part are responsible for the aroma and taste of the cigar, the lowermost leaves are distinguished by the mildest taste.

Factors that influence the taste and aroma of a cigar

• The shape, length and diameter of a cigar are called cigar format. The length is indicated in millimeters or inches, and the diameter of the cigars is measured in special units RG. Some cigar connoisseurs argue that when choosing a quality cigar, you need to focus on its diameter. The fact is that the diameter of the burning ring forms the taste of the cigar, and the length affects the dynamics of the development of the taste.

  The amount of smoke that a cigar gives off during smoking depends on the diameter. And the taste of a cigar is contained in its smoke, therefore, thicker models are characterized by a bright and rich taste.

• It should be borne in mind that a more interesting and varied mixture of tobacco leaves can be wrapped in copies of a larger format. But this fact should not be taken as a guide to the preference for thicker cigars. Along with the smoke and taste, nicotine also enters the body, respectively, large-format models give the smoker a larger amount of nicotine.

  Therefore, a good option is the golden mean. If you do not consider yourself a cigar connoisseur yet, then opt for products with an optimal diameter of 30-54 RG.

  Pay attention to the products of the Robusto format, they successfully combine the average diameter with a relatively short length. Models of the Crown format have approximately the same parameters.

• Globally, cigars are divided into direct and indirect. It is difficult to say which of these cigars are the best. Straight lines are cylindrical products and belong to the Parejos category. Models of irregular shape that do not fall under the Parejos parameters have been grouped into the Figurados category.
• The color of the cigar depends on the condition of the wrapper leaf. The filling is responsible for the taste and aroma of a cigar, but the wrapper leaf also affects them to some extent. The shade of the wrapper depends on the length of the fermentation process. The longer this process lasts, the correspondingly darker the leaf. The golden mean for the color of the wrapper is Colorado cigars.
• The country of manufacture. The island of Cuba is the only supplier of tobacco for Cuban cigars. Cuban cigars are recognizable among the copies of other manufacturers, they are distinguished by their characteristic dense taste and above average strength. However, it makes no sense to dwell only on Cuban models. In other regions, many cigars of decent quality are produced. For example, the hallmark of Dominican cigars is their lightness and characteristic tart sweetish taste. And cigars made from tobacco grown in Nicaragua are dominated by spices in taste.
• If you strive to learn, if not all about different cigars, then as much as possible, then you know that they are fresh and matured. The fact is that in the process of storing cigars, their taste changes. Therefore, it is difficult to say which cigars are the best. For some categories, aging serves to enhance flavor, while others may be negatively impacted. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to find out about this in advance. In order to distinguish the taste of a fresh cigar from an aged cigar, you need a lot of cigar experience. If you cannot brag about it, then give preference to fresh cigars.
• The whole appearance of a cigar always speaks of its quality. Its surface should be perfectly flat, without bumps, veins and depressions. The shade of the wrapper should be uniform along the entire length of the cigar. The presence of cracks or holes left by harmful insects is unacceptable. A good cigar should be firm, but not stiff, and have a uniform twist. The smell of a quality cigar should be pleasant.
• It is also worth paying attention to the ratings and reviews of cigars published on the Internet. They will help you form your preliminary opinion about certain species.

Choosing a cigar is a delicate matter, and in order not to be mistaken, pay attention to what you should not do:

• Don't look for the cheapest cigars. Budget copies are made by machine twisting, and chopped tobacco serves as a filling for them.
• If you are offered dried or damaged cigars, then in no case buy them in the hope of reviving. Most likely, these cigars were stored without observing the necessary conditions, and they are already hopelessly spoiled.
• Don't get hung up on any one format, try cigars of different categories, formats and manufacturers.
• Feel free to ask, consult on forums, blogs and shops.

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How to make a cigar at home

It only seems at first glance that making a cigar is a trifle. It is enough to sow tobacco, collect ...

Every true lover of this type of smoking has once tried Cuban brands of cigars.Their cost is quite high, but Cuba, the leader in the export of tobacco products, certainly justifies the price of its goods with the highest quality.

Everyone knows that the cigars of this country are the most popular all over the world. However, which of these havannas can be considered the best? There is a specific list:

Cohiba

This is a fairly new brand of cigars. It began to be produced only in 1968. Despite this, Cohiba quickly became the flagship of the Cuban cigar industry.

They were founded exclusively for gifts to dignitaries, diplomats, and statesmen. Cigars are of medium strength. For a long time, Cohiba was out of reach for amateurs.

It did not go on sale because of its exclusivity and, as it became known recently, due to the fact that they were made in large quantities for Fidel Castro. These cigars are considered to be the finest Cuban cigars. Experts say that only these cigars can be identified by their smell. Cohiba has a special manufacturing scheme.

The leaves for these cigars undergo a special aging process and are stored in oak barrels for three years after harvest, which gives them a deep aroma. Cigars of this brand are produced in relatively small quantities, only about two million pieces per year, which is probably why they are quite expensive in price. Cohiba first appeared "in public" in 1982.

Cuaba

First edition. 19th November, 1996. Factory: Romeo y Julieta. Origin of Tobacco: Vuelta Abajo (Pinar del Rio). Habanos S.A. Corporation first introduced this brand on November 19th, 1996 in London. This brand was conceived as nostalgia for the good old days and cigars. That is why all cigars have a special torpedo-like shape. The name Cuaba is deeply rooted in history.

This word was used by the Tamo Indians, the indigenous inhabitants of the island of Cuba, in the name of a plant that had excellent combustibility and ignited when a flame first touched its foliage.

Very often, the branches of this bush were used to light cigars with their help. This method of using the plant is still used by peasants in Cuba today. The island even has the expression "burn like Cuaba".

England became the main market for these cigars, it was there that the specific form of Cuaba was not yet forgotten and was in demand. Today Cuaba is available worldwide. Sizes: Divines, Exdwivos, Generosos, Tradicionales.

Bolivar

First released in 1927. Factory: Partagas. Origin of Tobacco: Vuelta Abajo (Pinar del Rio), part of the wrapper is grown in the Partido area near Havana. Almost a hundred years after the death of Simon Bolivar, a Spanish businessman who lived in Havana registered a trademark with the name of the famous Venezuelan.

In 1944, the brand was sold to the Cifuentes company, which owned the Partagas factory and these famous cigars are still produced there. The quality of the cigars is determined by high quality wrappers, dark colors. Bolivar cigars have a strong, rich aroma, they are quite strong and diverse. The cigar comes in a wide range of sizes. Main markets: England, Canada, Mexico, European countries, Africa.

El Rey del Mundo

First issue 1882. Factory Romeo y Julieta. Plantation Vuelta Abajo, Pinar del Rio. This brand of cigars began its history in 1848, when the Spanish immigrant Antonio Alones started his cigar business. But only in 1882 the brand was registered much later, when cigars began to be produced under this name.

Literally translated, the name of the cigars means "King of the World". And the quality of the cigars was fully consistent with its name. El Rey del Mundo means perfect. This statement remains true to this day. The cigars were served in the most exclusive smoking parlors in the world. The brand was sold to the new owner of Diaz y Hermanos in 1905. But cigars continued to be produced under the old name.

Fonseca

First released in 1907. Lazaro Pena factory. Origin of the Vuelta Abajo tobacco (Pinar del Rio). For a long time, Fonseca cigars were spinning in a factory in a small provincial town not far from Havana. The brand was registered in 1907 by Don Francisco Fonseca.

The cigars were among the best Cuban cigars.After the death of Fonseca in 1930, his widow continued the business and the brand remained in the family for a long time. At the end of her life, the widow sold the trademark to a large Havana tobacco company, thanks to which the brand exists to this day.

Fonseca cigars are produced in a fairly high quality. The main distribution market is Spain and Canada. Sizes: Casacos, Delicias, Fonseca No1, Invictos, KDT Cadetes.

Trinidad

First released in 1969. El Laguito factory. Tobacco origin: the best Vuelta Abajo plantations. You can't say much about this brand of cigars. It has always been produced in small quantities for gifts to diplomats from the Cuban government.

Cigars were first introduced to the market in 1988. The cigar has only one size, rare enough for cigars, the Laguito Especiales. This is a thin long cigar, very difficult to make. It is difficult to make a cigar of great taste with a small amount of filler.

Romeo y Julieta

Start of production in 1875. Factory: Romeo y Julieta. Origin of tobacco: Vuelta Abajo (Pinar del Rio). This is one of the most famous brands of Cuban cigars. The founder of the trademark, the Spaniard Don Inocencio Alvares, sold the trademark to the Sociedad Rodriguez Arguellez company. The owner of this company, Don Pepin, was a cheerful and intelligent man, he made a lot of efforts to promote new cigars.

The color of the wrapping sheet is dark and pleasant. It is worth paying special attention to the size of the Cherchills, which was specially made for the British Prime Minister. The cigar is produced with a special bow different from the standard one. Cigars are represented in the markets of almost all countries.

Montecristo

First released in 1935. Factory: H. Upmann. Origin of tobacco: Vuelta Abajo (Pinar del Rio). Almost a hundred years after the publication of the novel by Alexandre Dumas "The Count of Montecristo", a trade mark of cigars called "Montecristo" was registered in Cuba.

This book was a favorite among cigar factory workers and was often read aloud to the torsedoros as they played cigars. Today the brand is distributed on almost all continents. The cigar comes in a huge number of sizes.

La gloria cubana

First issued in 1885. Factory: Partagas. Origin of tobacco: Vuelta Abajo (Pinar del Rio). La Gloria Cubana, which means "Cuban Victory", was created in 1885 by Sociedad Cabanas. During the Castro era, cigars retained their excellent quality and rich aroma.

This brand of cigars has retained all the best qualities, carrying them through time and turmoil. In terms of quality and taste, La Gloria Cubana cigars are very similar to El-Rey del Mundo and Flor Rafael Gonzalez Marquez. These are three beautifully made semi-sturdy cigars. Medium-moderate to high aroma.

Los Statos

Data on the time of the first release of this brand of cigars has been lost. Factory: El-Rey del Mundo. Origin of Tobacco: Vuelta Abajo (Pinar del Rio). Almost all information regarding the history of these cigars has been lost. This made the brand somewhat mysterious.

Cigars are made from cut sheets, both by hand and by machine. The main market is Spain, Africa and the Caribbean.