An overview of the vocabulary around the cigar: The essential terms to know

The cigar world is imbued with a rich vocabulary of its own. To fully appreciate this centuries-old passion, it is important to understand and use the specific terms that surround the universe of the cigar. In this article, we'll give you an overview of essential cigar vocabulary, to familiarize you with the words and expressions used by connoisseurs.

1. Vitola: The vitola refers to the shape and size of a cigar. There is a wide variety of vitolas, such as robusto, toro, panatela, figurado, etc. Each vitola offers a unique smoking experience in terms of draw, burn and flavor intensity.

2. Wrapper: The wrapper is the outer leaf of the cigar, the one that gives its distinct appearance. It can be of different origins, such as Connecticut, Ecuador, or Sumatra. The wrapper influences the taste, combustion and aesthetics of the cigar.

3. Draw: The draw refers to how easily one can draw smoke from a cigar. A good draw allows for a pleasant smoking experience, where the smoke flows freely through the cigar.

4. Combustion: Combustion refers to the way the cigar burns. Regular and uniform combustion is essential to fully enjoy the aromas and flavors of the cigar. Uneven burning can alter the tasting experience.

5. Aromas: Aromas are the different flavors and scents found when tasting a cigar. We can distinguish aromas such as woody, spicy, floral, cocoa, leather, etc. The flavor palette may vary depending on the origin of the tobacco and the fermentation process.

6. Finish: Finish refers to the build quality and overall appearance of the cigar. A neat finish, without defects, testifies to the meticulous work of the torcedores (cigar artisans) and contributes to the overall aesthetics of the cigar.

7. Cigar cellar: The cigar cellar is a controlled environment, usually equipped with a humidifier, where cigars are kept to preserve them in the best conditions of humidity and temperature. It helps maintain the freshness and quality of cigars over the long term.

By familiarizing yourself with the vocabulary specific to the world of cigars, you enrich your experience and your understanding of this fascinating universe. Terms such as vitola, wrapper, draw, combustion, aromas, finish and humidor will become valuable allies in your exploration of the world of cigars. So do not hesitate to immerse yourself in this terminology, because it will open the doors to a refined passion imbued with centuries-old traditions.