Cigar Terminology

[modem7]

This is a direct copy and paste from: http://www.yumacigars.com/informatio...r-terminology/

This helped me learn a few things


A

• Acidic
  
  
Having the properties of an Acid, or having a pH less than 7. Acidic flavor is sour and pungent. Cigarette tobaccos are Acidic, so they can be inhaled easily, unlike Cigars and Pipe tobaccos.
• Active Humidifier

  
  An Active Humidifier is a machine designed to create humidity. Active Humidifiers generally have a fan blowing on [or over] water to produce a mist that is absorbed into the air. Active Humidifiers are common in walk-in humidors and large cabinets.
• Air-Curing

  
  The curing process used for Cigar tobaccos (Dark Air-Cured) and also for Burley tobaccos. After being harvested, cigar leaves are hung in pairs in Curing Barns/Casas de Tabaco for approximately 50 days. During air curing, leaves lose their Chlorophyll and 85% of their humidity.
• Alkaline
  
  Having the properties of an Alkali, or having a pH greater than 7. An Alkaline flavor is bitter and/or dry and astringent. Cigar and Pipe tobaccos are highly Alkaline, they have high ammonia content, so they are not inhaled.
• Alkaloid
  
  Any in a class of naturally occurring organic bases containing nitrogen. Popular Alkaloids include Nicotine, Morphine, Ephedrine, and Quinine. Thousands of Alkaloids are known to exist in thousands of plants, but they are of interest mostly because of their physiological effects on humans and animals.
• Amarillo
  
  Spanish for "yellow", refers to this color classification of shade grown wrapper leaf.
• Amatista Jar

  
  A hermetically sealed jar containing 50 (or occasionally 25) cigars.
• AMS - American Marke...
  
  This terminology refers to Double Claro colored cigars which were popular in The United States during the middle 20th Century.
• A?ejamiento
  
  Simply put, this is the aging process; the very slow process of natural decomposition - which occurs at lower humidity and temperature levels than Fermentation. During A?ejamiento, tobaccos slowly release ammonia, impurities, and develop. Tobacco A?ejamiento is for leaves and occurs after Fermentation; often this process goes on for years. Cigar A?ejamiento occurs after the cigars are rolled, while they are curated by your Tobacconist, in your personal humidor, all they way up until they are smoked.
• Anillo
  
  Spanish for "ring", referring to cigar bands.
• Anniversary
  
  In the world of luxury tobacco, cigars, pipes, and tobaccos which are called Anniversary commemorate a date or event, such as the makers 25th Anniversary. It does not mean that the tobaccos or products are Vintage, or inherently special for any other reason.
• Aroma
  
  A distinctive and pleasant or savory smell.
• Artisan
  
  A skilled worker who practices a trade or handicraft, often using traditional methods.

B

• B & M

  
  Short hand for "Brick & Mortar" retail Tobacconists.
• Band (Cigar)
  
  Synonym for Cigar Ring, or Cigar Label, a band may also be applied to the foot of the cigar.
• Barrel
  
  1) See Body. 2) The process of aging and curing tobacco leaves in barrels.
• Binder
  
  The dense, strong leaf that is applied to the outside of the filler tobaccos. The Binder protects and forms the filler tobaccos in the molds and presses.
• Biphasic
  
  Having two disctinct, and often seemingly contradictory effects; in the case of nicotine consumption, the effects of both mental alertness and physical relaxation are biphasic.
• Blend
  
  The combination of different types of tobacco used to create a specific character and taste. In a cigar, this includes the filler, binder, and wrapper leaves from different parts of the plant, different plants, and different regions. For pipe tobaccos, see Aromatic and English Blend definitions, or the Pipe Tobacco Blending section of Tobacco College. Ultimately, blending is a big part of the art of making great luxury tobacco products.
• Bloom
  
  Synonym for Plume.
• Blue Mold

  
  This is an airborne fungus that can ravage an entire tobacco field/plantation in a matter of days. Also known as Peronospara Tabacina, Blue Mold flourishes in cool, cloudy, humid weather: the effects are distinguished by small round blemishes on the tobacco leaves.
• Body 

  
  1) The middle part of the cigar, also referred to as the barrel. 2) The breadth and depth (spectrum) of flavor of a tobacco. Also referred to as richness and fullness, but not to be confused with the tobacco's strength, spice, or nicotine level. For example, Dominican tobaccos tend to have a lighter body than Central American tobaccos.
• Boquilla
  
  Spanish term which refers to the cigar foot.
• Bouquet
  
  the Smell, or "Nose" of a cigar or pipe tobacco.
• Boutique
  
  This term refers to smaller cigar, pipe, and tobacco companies with limited production. In general, boutique companies are more artisan-oriented.
• Broadleaf
  
  Broadleaf is a dark tobacco varietal family popular for producing wrappers leaves that are enourmous, resilient, and thick. These leaves are ideal for creating a Maduro colored wrapper. Broadleaf wrapper is not Primed, but rather the whole plant is stalk-cut when it matures.
• Bunch
  
  The Filler tobaccos that are rolled up with the Binder leaf. Wrapper leaves are applied to the Bunch after the pressing.
• Bundle
  
  The method of packaging cigars without a box, usually in packs of 25 or 50. Bundles are typically more economical cigars, and often do not have bands. Typically, cigar makers release their "seconds" in Bundles.
• Burlap
  
  The strong breathable material used to wrap filler and binder leaves for tobacco anejamiento.
• Butane
  
  A natural gas made from petroleum, that is flavorless and ideal for torch lighters and lighting luxury tobacco products.

C

• Caballeria
  
  Unit of area used to measure land in Cuba, equivalent to 33.2 acres.
• Cabinet Selection

  
  Cigars packaged in cedar boxes, in lieu of paper wrapped boxes. These boxes provide direct contact with the cedar and can be preferable for long term aging.
• Cameroon
  
  Common name for tobacco grown in Central Africa, these plants are descended from Sumatran seed. Known for their rich flavors and aromas, they are often used as wrapper leaves.
• Candela
  
  Also known as Double Claro, these leaves are Flue-Cured (or heat cured) to fix the cholorphyll levels in the leaf and produce the desired Green color.
• Canoe (ing)

  
  The uneven, one-sided burn of a cigar. This is caused by sub-standard rolling, improperly placed filler, uneven humidity, or poorly fermented raw materials.
• Cap
  
  The circular piece of Wrapper leaf that finishes the head of a cigar. The Head/Cap is the end of the cigar you will smoke from. You must cut the cap with a cigar cutter.
• Capa
  
  Spanish word for cigar Wrapper leaf.
• Capadura
  
  Spanish term for the second harvest/priming in the tobacco growing season.
• Capero No. 1
  
  
A newer Cuban hybrid [dark tobacco] varietal which started to be grown widely around 2007. Capero No. 1 is a cross between Habanos 2000 + Corojo '99 + Criollo '98. It produces an extra 2 to 3 leaves over other hybrids and has very large leaves. Capero No. 1 has been genetically engineered to produce no flowers and therefore no seeds: this will help Cuba maintain control over the plants genetics and where it is grown.
• Capote
  
  Spanish word for cigar Binder leaf. Also refers to section of Criollo plant used for Fillers and Binders.
• Casa de Tabaco

  
  Cuban term for Curing Barn which has open sides facing East and West for optimal air circulation. Tobacco is placed high up in the Casa de Tabaco after picking/priming to dry out and lose its Chlorophyll.
• CC

Cuban Cigar

• Cedar, Spanish
  
  Also known as Cedrela odorata, Spanish Cedar is neither Spanish nor a Cedar; it is a member of the Meliaceae, or Mahogany family. It is commonly used for cigar boxes and cigar aging because it is naturally pest resistant, hygroscopic, and naturally abundant in Central America and the Caribbean.
• Cedro
  
  The Spanish word for Spanish Cedar (see Cedar, Spanish).
• Cello Box
  
  A cigar box with rounded sides.
• Cellophane
  
  A thin, transparent film made from regenerated cellulose, often used in the packaging of cigars.
• Cellulose
  
  An insoluble substance derived from plant glucose, used as a binder in Homogenized Tobacco Leaf.
• Centro Fino

  
  1) The third level of leaves from the top of the corojo plant, between the centro gordo and centro ligero leaves. 2) Cigar Brand 'Cuesta Rey Centro Fino' by Fuente-Newman cigar family
• Centro Gordo

  
  The second level of leaves from the top of the corojo plant, just below the top corona leaves.
• Centro Ligero

  
  The leaves on the third level from the bottom of the corojo plant, between the centro fino and uno y medio leaves. Not to be confused with the criollo plant, where the term Ligero refers to the top leaves, which are exposed to the most sun.
• Cepo
  
  Instrument used to measure the proper ring gauge of a finished cigar. This is usually a piece of wood with the appropriate size whole cut into it: the cigar is passed through to confirm it is the proper diameter.

D

• Dehumidification
  
  After the 2nd Fermentation, the Filler and Binder Gavillas are laid on racks in climate controlled Dehumidification rooms for several days to let the leaf recuperate and dry out. Dehumidification also occurs after the cigars have been rolled and placed in Marrying rooms.
• Despalillar
  
  The Spanish term for Stemming. Wrappers have the entire stem removed, yielding two separate parts of the leaf to wrap cigars. Filler leaves have only half of the stem removed from the bottom (creating a ?Pata de Rana? or ?Frogs Legs? shape).
• Dog Rocket
  
  A slang term for an unpalatable cigar.
• Double Claro

  
  Also known as Candela, Jade, and American Market Selection (AMS), these leaves are Flue-Cured (or heat cured) to fix the cholorphyll levels in the leaf and produce the desired Green color.
• Double Guillotine
  
  Cigar Cutter
A cigar cutter with two straight blades, locked in a frame, which makes a straight cut. A guillotine with one blade and two finger holes is a single guillotine, as a double guillotine must have two blades.
• Draw
  
  The term used to describe how easily a cigar allows air to pass through it.
• Dry Cured Cigars

  
  These cigars are slowly baked in an oven, after they are manufactured. They require only 12-15% relative humidity for preservation; this is approximately the same as indoor humidity. Dry Cured Cigars are usually machine-made with Sumatran, Central African, and/or Brazilian tobaccos. They are typically manufactured where they are most popular, in Europe.

E

• EMS - English Market...
  
  
This terminology refers to cigars which are a light to medium brown.
• Enbetunando

  
  The wetting down of tobacco with a mixture of water and tobacco residues. This Mojo helps accelerate the fermentation process.
• Encallado

  
  The method of growing cigar tobacco where tents/cloths are erected around the perimeter of the crop, to protect it from the wind.
• Entubado Rolling (En...
  
  A technical rolling format which involves rolling each Filler leaf into itself, almost like a small scroll. Each individually "scrolled" leaf is then placed together to form the bunch. This skillful rolling technique creates a more firmly packed and balanced cigar which provides an excellent draw. Entubado Rolling is the most difficult and complex bunching method and is therefore rarely employed in large scale manufacturing.
• Evaporation Humidifi...
  
  This type of Humidifier works because of the evaporative qualities of water. Typically the surface area of the Humidifier is in proportion to the size of the box and water is released at a rate which creates 70 to 73% humidity. Some Evaporation Humidifiers use a fan to control the evaporation rate.

F

• Fabrica
  
  Cuban term for cigar factory.
• Fermentation

  
  Also known as "Sweating" or "Trabajando", it is the natural, vigorous, highly controlled process that accounts for the majority of flavor + aroma development and distinction in cigar tobaccos. Fermentation occurs when moisture, heat, oxygen, and pressure levels reach a critical synergy: the result is an expulsion of ammonia and other unpalatable organic components of the leaf. The temperatures in Fermentation piles are closely monitored: the piles are deconstructed and re-configured before they get too hot. Tobacco can easily be depleted of flavor + aroma characteristics if over Fermented. Under Fermented tobacco will be noxious, unrefined, and "green" (an industry term with no relation to the leaf color).
• Filler

  
  The combination of distinct tobacco leaves which constitute the ?guts? of the cigar. Filler must be expertly bunched to make a well constructed cigar that will draw and burn in balance. The Cuban term for Filler is Tripa.
• Finca

  
  Spanish word for a farm.
• Finish

  
  A Tasting term which describes the lingering flavors left behind on the smokers palate.
• Flavor

  
  The combination of taste and aroma.
• Foot

  
  The typically flat and open end of a cigar that gets lit.
• Foot

  
  The typically flat and open end of a cigar that gets lit.
• Fortaleza
  
  The Spanish term which can describe cigar strength and vigour. Fortaleza can also refer to the overall sensory input (robustness) from a cigar, not just strength as it relates to nicotine.
• Fuma
  
  1) The Spanish name given to a quality control committee which smokes/tests cigars. 2) A Fuma can also be a short filler,rustically finished cigar; this can include a twisted head and a shaggy foot.
• Fumo
  
  The traditional Cuban term for a cigar with an unfinished ?shaggy? Foot and a twisted Head/Cap.

G

• Galera

  
  Spanish for "galley", the workroom where cigars are hand rolled.
• Gavilla
  
  Also known as a "Hand", these are bunches of tobacco leaves held together by string, which help organize the tobacco for fermentation and anejamiento.
• Guillotina
  
  The cutting instrument used by the Torcedore to trim the foot of the cigar after it has been rolled.
• Guillotine

  
  A cigar cutter with a straight blade, locked in a frame, that cuts off a thin slice of the closed cigar Head. Single guillotines, along with double guillotines and scissors, produce a straight cut.

H

• Habano
  
  This term refers to a cigar rolled in Cuba exclusively from Cuban tobacco leaves.
• Half-Wheel

  
  In Spanish, "media ruida", a bundle of 25 or 50 cigars, usually tied with a ribbon or packaged in cellophane. See also "Bundle".
• Hand
  
  Also known as a Gavilla, this refers to the way tobacco leaves are organized by being bunched together to undergo fermentation and anejamiento.
• Hand-Rolled
  
  
A cigar made exclusively by human hands.
• Harvesting
  
  The Herculean task of hand picking tobacco leaves from the plant (also see Priming).
• Havana
  
  In addition to being the capital of Cuba, the term ?Havana? refers to a cigar rolled in Cuba exclusively from Cuban tobacco leaves.
• Head
  
  The end of a cigar which will be placed in the mouth.
• Hecho a Mano

  
  This term means "Made by Hand" but it refers to cigars that have machine bunched filler.
• Homogenized Tobacco ...
  
  Originally developed by General Cigar during the 1950s, this reconstituted tobacco leaf was mixed with stems and cellulose to create a usable tobacco-like leaf. HTL is not a component of premium cigar and pipe tobaccos. HTL helped expand the machine-made cigar industry by creating cheaper alternatives.
• Hot
  
  Describes any tobacco that is transfering heat to the palate. This can be casued by smoking too quickly, or improper (cigar) rolling or (pipe) packing. Tobacco that burns hot is not combusting at the proper rate and must be allowed to cool down, by not drawing or toking.
• Humidifier
  
  An apparatus which creates and maintains the 65% to 73% Relative Humidity needed to keep cigars optimally conditioned. [Note: it is important to use distilled water or the closest alternative in Humidifiers. Minerals and other contaminants can clog the hygroscopic medium and/or taint cigars.]
• Humidistat
  
  A device used to regulate humidity through a humidifier.
• Humidor
  
  Any container intended to store cigars at the appropriate humidity. Usually a sealed box (or other container) which can maintain a constant 70% Relative Humidity.
• Hygrometer
  
  An instrument used to measure Humidity. Analog models need immediate (after purchase) calibration while most digital Hygrometers come factory calibrated.

L

• Label (Cigar)

  
  The main decorative paper which is glued onto cigar boxes. (See Bands & Labels)
• Large Cigars

  
  Cigars weighing more than three pounds per one thousand cigars; as defined by the U.S. government.
• Leaf
  
  The part of the tobacco plant which is meant to be smoked.
• Libre de Pie

  
  Spanish term for the two leaves at the base of the corojo plant, literally "free feet".
• Liga
  
  The Spanish term for the Blend. Which is the combination of different tobacco leaves and proportions to create a specific character and taste. In a cigar, this includes the filler, binder, and wrapper leaves.
• Ligador
  
  Spanish term for the master blender in a cigar factory.
• Ligero
  
  One of the 3 basic types of filler leaves of the Criollo plant: Seco, Volado, Ligero. Ligero leaves are from the top of the plant and are exposed to the most sun. Ligero leaves are known for being dense, rich, and robust.
• Long Filler
  
  The whole leaves which are used in premium cigars: not chopped up pieces of leaf or HTL.
• Luxury Tobacco
  
  Tobacco products which are created by master craftsmen utilizing premium quality tobacco and intended to be enjoyed while savoring your time. Luxury tobacco is never homogenized, commoditized, or used out of habit or addiction.

M

• Machine-Made
  
  Refers to cigars bunched and wrapped by machine: these are not premium cigars.
• Maduro
  
  In its most limited sense, the term maduro can simply refer to a dark or black wrapper color - these color wrappers can result from late primings or stalk-cutting broadleaf tobaccos. But, a true maduro will have a wrapper which has undergone longer and/or more intense (higher temperature) fermentation that produces a richer, earthier, and sweeter flavor.
• Marrying Room
  
  The room where cigars [in bundles of 50] are stored in cedar cabinets after rolling. The room and cabinets allow the cigars to lose some of their excessive humidity and reach a balanced state. This process is necessary because cigar tobacco is ?overly? moist during rolling.
• Mata Fina
  
  A Brazilian varietal cigar tobacco that is grown in the Reconcavo Basin. Mata Fina is Sun-Grown and produces excellent Oscuro and Maduro Wrappers. The flavor profile is typically rich, mild to medium strength, very aromatic, and naturally sweet.
• Maturation
  
  The point in time when tobacco leaves are ready for Priming. At Maturation, tobacco leaves lay horizontally, the center vein has a yellowish color, and they cut away freely.
• Mazo
  
  Spanish term for a 25, or more commonly 50 cigar bundle.
• Media Rueda
  
  The Spanish term for a 50 cigar bundle, also known as a Half-Wheel.
• Mojo
  
  The thorough wetting of Gavillas/tobacco leaves.
• Mold (Cigar)
  
  Like any other type of mold, Cigar Mold is a fungus which appears as a woolly growth found on damp and/or decaying organic matter - rendering the cigars un-smokeable.
• Molds
  
  Wood (or plastic) forms which give the binder and filler their cigar-like shape. Cigar Molds are filled with Bunches and then placed in a Press for approximately 45 minutes and then rotated by 1/3rd to eliminate any seam. The Bunches can also be left in the Mold and Press overnight if convenient, but the result will be the same.

N

• Nicotine
  
  Nicotine is a naturally occurring organic compound in the same family of substances (alkaloids) as Caffeine. Found in Tobacco plants, and to a lesser degree in tomatoes, green peppers, potatoes, and eggplant, the general effects of Nicotine are biphasic: initially it is mentally invigorating, then has a relaxing effect.
• NC

Non-Cuban (Cigar)

• Nitrogen
  
  Soil component which increases root growth, nicotine content, plant yield, leaf width, and leaf luster.
• Nub
  
  1) The last 1 to 2 inches of a cigar; usually a reference to 'smoking past the band'.
  2) Brand name of Olivia's new mini cigar, NUB
• Nubbing
  
  The act of smoking the last inch or two of a cigar; or 'smoking past the band'.

O

• Oil
  
  The result of well conditioned cigars, oils are exuded by tobacco leaves as they age.
• Olor
  
  A variety of Dominican cigar tobacco which has large leaves and is commonly used for filler and binder. Olor tobacco can have a distinctly dry flavor, or drying effect on the mouth. Olor is also the Spanish term for "Smell".
• Oscuro
  
  The blackest shade of tobacco leaf; but not necessarily a Maduro. Typically Mexican and Brazilian leaves can achieve this color without going through the additional "Maduro" fermentation.

P

• Palate
  
  1) Literally, the roof of the mouth 2) A personal preference of taste 3) The sense of taste
• Passive Humidifier
  
  A Passive Humidifier has no electrical or moving parts and works on simple evaporative and chemical equilibrium principles. They are intended for smaller humidification needs and commonly used in travel and desktop humidors.
• Piercer
  
  Also called a lance or a punch, a cutter used to poke small holes through the head of a cigar.
• Pig-Tail
  
  The cigar Head finishing technique that rolls the Flag into a tight scroll and is then tied into a knot. Pig-Tails can easily be bitten off in lieu of cutting.
• Pilone
  
  In the context of the 2 stage fermentation model that TU teaches, Pilones are the 1 to 3 foot tall piles of tobacco which constitute the initial Fermentation. Today, in countries like Honduras and The Dominican Republic, the term Pilone can refer to any Fermentation pile.
• Piloto
  
  A varietal family of filler tobacco which originated in Cuba but is now commonly cultivated in the Dominican Republic and Central America.
• Plug
  
  The effect of poor craftsmanship or inferior raw materials that inhibits the draw of a cigar.
• Plume
  
  Also known as Bloom, this is a naturally occuring by-product of cigar aging. As the cigar exudes oils through the Wrapper, the oils crystalize on the outside and form a white powder-like substance. The Plume can be gently wiped off with no negative consequences.
• Premium Cigar
  
  Large Cigars which are made from only long leaf tobacco and are made exclusively by hand.
• Press (Cigar)
  
  The apparatus which exerts pressure on cigar Molds, to compress the tobacco into a cylindrical shape.
• Priming (Primed)
  
  The term used for Harvesting premium tobacco leaves 2 or 3 at a time, approximately once a week. The process starts at the bottom of the plant and continues upward. Priming allows the leaves at the top to get more sun and reach optimal Maturation before being picked: the higher the Priming, the stronger the tobacco.
• Punch
  
  1) A cigar cutter that consists of a small circular blade, intended to pierce a round hole in the head of the cigar. Sometimes referred to as a "bullet" or "bull's eye". 2) Cigar brand Punch Cigars
• Puro
  
  Describes a cigar in which all the tobacco comes from the same country. Puro can also be a generic term used to describe any cigar.

R

• Relative Humidity
  
  The measure of Humidity expressed as a percentage of the moisture content (water vapor) in the air. Ideal humidity for the long term preservation of cigars is 70% RH.
• Reverse Osmosis Humi...
  
  These humidifiers use the proper proportions of Propylene Glycol (or other similar chemicals) and water to create the desired humidity. Propylene Glycol acts as a buffer in the humidifier so that water is not released too quickly or slowly.
• Ring Gauge
  
  The diameter of the cigar as measured in 64ths of an inch in North America; millimeters are typically used in Cuba, Europe, and Asia. Download - Ring Gauge Chart.
• Rosado
  
  A Spanish term meaning "reddish", it refers to cigar wrappers that have a brown-red tint.

S

• San Andreas Negro
  
  The most famous Mexican cigar varietal grown in the San Andreas Valley. San Andreas Negro is a Stalk-Cut tobacco, which produces excellent Binder and Maduro Wrappers. Due to the toughness and resilience of the leaf, it holds up well during the extra fermentation required to produce Maduro Wrappers.
• Scissor
  
  Cigar scissors, unlike regular scissors, are beveled and shaped specifically to make a precise cut to the head of the cigar.
• Seasoning
  
  The process of slowly raising the moisture level in a humidor until the desired humidity is reached. (See Humidor Setup)
• Seco
  
  Filler tobacco leaves from the center of the Criollo plant. For other varietals, Seco can refer to the lower primings. Seco leaves are valued for their moderate flavor and good burning qualities; they are not as thick as Ligero or as light as Volado.
• Seconds (Cigars)
  
  Cigars that have not met the aesthetic or construction standards of the manufacturer and are sold unbanded and without boxes. (also Segundos)
• Segundos
  
  Cigars that have not met the aesthetic or construction standards of the manufacturer and are sold unbanded and without boxes. (also Seconds)
• Shade-Grown
  
  This refers to tobacco (typically Wrappers) grown under cheesecloth (Tapados) to minimize the harsh rays of the sun. Shade Grown tobaccos have a more uniform appearance, and a more subtle and delicate flavor; they are also a little thinner and more elastic than Sun-Grown leaves.
• Shaggy Foot
  
  When the wrapper leaf is left un-trimmed on the foot of the cigar. This "Shaggy" wrapper can be removed or lit to start the cigar.
• Short Filler
  
  The chopped up pieces of tobacco used as filler in non-premium cigars. Short Filler burns quicker and with far less complexity than Long Filler leaf.
• Shoulder
  
  The rounded curve that transitions to the Head of a cigar. After properly cutting the Head of a cigar, some shoulder should remain to keep the cigar from unraveling.
• Spanish Cedar
  
  See Cedar, Spanish.
• Spill
  
  Cedar Strips used for lighting cigars. These can be procured from the Spanish Cedar dividers used to seperate rows of cigars in boxes.
• Stalk-Cut
  
  This term describes a plant which is harvested all at once by cutting the stalk, low to the ground. Unlike Primed plants, all of the leaves are harvested at one time. This technique is common with Broadleaf and San Andreas Negro tobaccos, which are typically used for Maduro and Oscuro cigar Wrappers.
• Stemming
  
  Wrappers have the entire stem removed, yielding two separate parts of the leaf to wrap cigars. Filler leaves have only half of the stem removed from the bottom (creating a ?Pata de Rana? or ?Frogs Legs? shape).
• Stogie
  
  A slang term for a cheroot, named after the cigar making region of Conestoga, Pennsylvania, where the inexpensive cigars were popular with wagon drivers during the 1800's.
• Straight Cut
  
  The flat cut produced by Guillotine, Double Guillotine, and Scissor cigar cutters.
• Sugar
  
  The naturally occuring organic compounds found, to varying degrees, in all tobacco. Both Curing and Fermentation can fix and/or develop the sugars in tobacco.
• Sun Grown
  
  This term refers to tobacco grown in direct sunlight: this intense process creates thicker, more robust leaves, with more pronounced veins.
• Sun-Curing
  
  The process of exposing harvested leaves to direct sunlight: this takes between a few days to a few weeks. This process releases moisture and prepares the leaf for fermentation. Sun-Curing is most commonly used on Oriental tobaccos.
• Sunlight Manipulatio...
  
  While sunlight can be manipulated with shade cloth, this term refers to the effect of mountains, surrounding valleys, shading out part of the early and late day sun. See Geography & Climate for more information.

T

• Tabaco
  
  Spanish for "tobacco", the word is also synonymous with "cigar" in Cuba.
• Tabaquero
  
  Spanish term which refers to a cigar roller, cigar dealer, or someone in the cigar business.
• Tobacco Beetle
  
  Technically known as Lasioderma Serricorne, and also referred to as Cigar and Cigarette Beetles, these pests begin as microscopic eggs found in food and tobacco. Under proper conditions, these eggs can develop into larva, pupa, and finally adult beetles. During their short lifetime, Tobacco Beetles can eat through your cigars and leave them ruined, strewn with holes like Swiss cheese.
• Tooth
  
  This term refers to the grainy texture found on some tobacco leaves; mainly Cameroon.
• Topping
  
  The term which describes flowers being cut off tobacco plants. This process allows the plant?s resources to focus on leaf production.
• Torpedo
  
  This term traditionally refers to a cigar which is tapered a both the Head and Foot.
• Torpedo
  
  This term traditionally refers to a cigar which is tapered a both the Head and Foot.
• Triple Cap
  
  The term given to the [Parejo] cigar head finishing technique traditionally used in Cuba. The Triple-Cap uses a small tear-drop shaped piece of tobacco which is woven into the wrapper and used to close the open Head. After the head is closed, a perfect circle of tobacco (Cap) is cut with the Casquillo and placed on top to create a finished look. While this technique is meticulous and time consuming, it produces a strong, reinforced head. It is called the Triple-Cap because the cigar Head appears to have several seams.
• Tubo
  
  Spanish word for "tube". Tubos are used for packaging to help protect cigars.
• Tunneling
  
  See Canoeing.

V

• V Cutter
  
  Also called a "wedge" or "cat's eye", this type of cutter digs a wedge-shaped slice out of the head of the cigar.
• Varietal
  
  A specific and unique seed strain.
• Vega
  
  The specific plot of land on a farm where tobacco growing takes place.
• Vein
  
  Part of a leaf's organic structure. Veins which are too large can hinder the viability and attractiveness of wrapper leaves.
• Vintage
  
  This frequently used term should refer to the year tobacco in a particular cigar or pipe tobacco is harvested. In most cases it will refer to a specific leaf/component like the wrapper or filler(s). Admittedly, there is some ambiguity when the term is used.
• Viso
  
  A general term used to describe tobacco leaves from the middle part of cigar tobacco plants. Viso leaves are under Ligero and above Seco leaves.
• Vitola
  
  This is a general term which refers to the specific size and shape characteristics of each cigar within a given brand.
• Volado
  
  Filler tobacco leaves from the bottom of the Criollo plant. Volado is valued for its mildness and easy burning qualities.

W

• Wrapper
  
  The most delicate, expensive and [ideally] perfect leaf that is applied to the outside of a cigar.

0-9

• 8-9-8

  
  A standard cigar box designed to hold eight cigars on top, nine in the middle, and eight on the bottom. In most cases, these are cello boxes.

[Deano]

Ah we did have a wiki with this on, since upgrading the forum I've been waiting for a new compatible release....

[Bad-Yeti]

Nice though, some interesting stuff in there (I'm still a lotta newb)

[Fireball JaX]

didnt realise there was so much to cigars

[modem7]

didnt realise there was so much to cigars

I guess cigars are much like coffee, whisky and wine! So much to them that people rarely realise!

[butternutsquashpie]

I guess cigars are much like coffee, whisky and wine! So much to them that people rarely realise!

no. nothing is like wine. that shite's complicated as all hell. Oh, this bottle of 1997 shiraz is worth 10 000 dollars. But the same brand, same yard, same bottling, same process bottle of 1998 is worth 13 bleeding dollars.
Verdammt, i give up.

[Krist]

I guess cigars are much like coffee, whisky and wine! So much to them that people rarely realise!

I went to a wine tasting last night... for about 2 hours he just said a lot of words I didn't know with the odd rioja/pinot/chardonnay/italy thrown in

[Krist]

Is there the same as this for violas etc? I really struggle with the vitola name and the brands name in general.

[Wigan]

Is there the same as this for violas etc? I really struggle with the vitola name and the brands name in general.

cubancigarwebsite.com

[smokey joe]

English Market Selection needs revising in my opinion it is not correct:

"E

• EMS - English Market...
  
  
This terminology refers to cigars which are a light to medium brown."

I lifted this from Cgars website (hope that's ok!):


"EMS stands for 'English Market Selection' a description used in Cuba for over a century to identify the quality of cigars designated for the British market. It is the cornerstone of the UK's long established reputation as the world centre for the finest Havanas.

In 1993 Hunters & Frankau introduced the EMS Stamp. EMS Stamps are applied to boxes of Havanas that have passed a UK quality inspection.

In 1997 the colour of the stamps changed and have continued to do so annually. All packs of Havanas selected for sale in the UK domestic market bear the EMS stamp."

https://www.cgarsltd.co.uk/cigar-library/ems.htm

[JohnnyBgood]

Great Stuff

[anz3001]

Could do with an abbreviations one too, had to google BOTL t'other day.

[Ranks]

Great mate

[Emaresee]

He he he... Will never forget when i realised what B&M meant.... For a brief few moment i thought the b&m discount store jsut opened down the road might actually have sold cigars!!!! Rofl.... Silly me

[Scooby]

This was a handy read, especially being a noob