Step into the luxurious world of cigars, an exclusive world where each cigar is a new adventure on its own.
Since its discovery in 1492 by admiral Christopher Columbus, CUBA has been known best as the homeland of the world's finest cigars. The unique tropical microclimate of the island coupled with the perfect humidity and a unique composition of the tobacco fertile fields reflects the unmatched flavor and color of the Cuban cigar.
The harmonious association between man and nature has resulted in producing the best cigar ever.
The process of producing cigars is entirely a handicraft based procedure. The beds have to be prepared for seedlings which are transplanted. Later on, the plants are topped and suckers removed to increase the plants vitality. After 45 to 90 days later when the plant finally reaches maturity, the crop is harvest leaf by leaf.
The leaves are then strung with cotton thread to form strings and hung to dry for a few months .
Once the leaves are cured, they are subject to a series of natural fermentation and then graded according to their size and quality.
Now the leaves are ready to be wrapped and rolled. At this stage the leaves are arranged according to thickness and length to match the type of cigar to be made.
The process of rolling a cigar is a delicate issue which must be dealt with sufficient expertise and care. The cigar has to be perfect. Neither too tight nor too loose to assure the perfect flavor.
Once the cigars are wrapped and selected according to their colors they are packed in specially decorated cedar boxes. These artistic designs were conceived for the exclusive supply of princes and emperors and remain until today the subject of outstanding collection.
Choosing the best Cigar is not an easy task. The choice of cigar reflects the mood of the smoker, and his environment. It will be very simple if we dictate some general principals and advise rules to follow but we will be misleading.
The choice of the proper cigar for the proper occasion remains a very personal choice and can vary with regards to the meal you are about to be served or the wine you have chosen. However, detecting a well conserved cigar can be guided if we follow those few " sensual " principals.
The sight
Regardless of the type of cigar, a well conserved Havana must have a smooth surface with no major nervures or dark stains. White stains reflect a good maturation and should not alarm you unless they are numerous. A cigar with holes must be rejected.
The touch
If you hold a cigar in your hand it must give a supple and soft feeling. Once you've squeezed a well conserved cigar it must not crack between your fingers and must regain its initial shape.
The smell
The smell of a good cigar reflects the aroma and the spicy perfume while a badly conserved one has a dominant insignificant herb smell.
The taste
It is at this level that your choice of a cigar will be affected. You don't really taste exactly the same flavor twice. The taste varies under many fadors all related to the handicraft aspect of the Havana production.
