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Cuban Cigar Newsletter April 2012 |
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Greetings!
Here just North of Montana, in Calgary, AB Canada, we sort of miss much of Spring. We go right from Winter to Summer and have to wait until mid May to do it. Starting today though, we are lucky enough to have wonderful weather of around 20C (68F) so we will fire up the BBQ for some steaks and I will be able to enjoy a Cuban cigar on our deck while looking at all the planting my wife will no doubt ask me to do in May.
A cigar outdoors is a little different for everyone. I prefer slightly stronger Cubans outdoors, as the air movement means not as much smoke lingers as you exhale. Since much of the cigar enjoyment is the aroma and much of the taste is actually results from that aroma, a stronger side cigar is more pleasing to me. We are always glad to be of service
Canadian Cigar Company Ltd
Toll free: 1-888-830-6162 |
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When you are enjoying a Cuban cigar,
how much influence does the wrapper have on the flavor of the cigar?
Light wrapper, mild and subtle flavor?
Dark wrapper, strong with robust flavors?
There are varied opinions on the impact of a cigars flavor and strength from the wrapper leaves. Some say it accounts for anywhere from 30% to 80% of the experience while others use ranges such as 7% to 14%. I find the latter to be in the realm of plausibility and the former to be far reaching and lacking logic.
Here is why: A cigar is made up in three portions.
BINDER, FILLER & WRAPPER
The outer wrapper leaf is the finishing touch, and also chosen for its smoothness, color and lack of veins on the leaf, mostly the result of being from a shade grown plant. It is a large 1/2 leaf that could account for two to four layers of the overall cigar. If a typical Corona is about 2/3 of an inch in diameter, I suspect the wrapper leaf would account for 1% of the cigar's girth. Wrapper leaves are selected from Shade Grown tobacco plants cultivated under a muslin fabric canopy that filters the sunlight and keeps the heat in. This produces the broader finer leaves needed to ensure a smooth wrapper.
Here is what Habanos SA says about the wrapper influence on the cigar flavor
" The wrapper, or capa, is the exquisitely thin and supple leaf that forms the outer surface of the cigar. The wrapper contributes little to the flavor of a Habano, but it stands as the ultimate symbol of the cigar's perfection. "
A darker wrapper leaf would likely impart more strength and flavor than a light one, I think that is a fair statement, but nonetheless the overall impact of approx 1% of the layers of the cigar supplying half or more of the taste(s) experienced by the smoker just does not make sense.
A further argument made by some is that the outer leaf is burning closest to your nose, therefore it has more influence on the flavors experienced since much of what we taste is actually derived from aroma. I can buy that, and when one uses the conservative 7% to 14% range, I believe this is taken into account. This range also allows for wrapper leaves aged for additional years to smooth out their flavor and reduce the acidity caused by tannins in the tobacco.
1% of the bulk of tobacco being given credit for up to 14% of the flavor of a cigar seems reasonable, especially considering Habanos themselves say the wrapper contributes little to the flavor of a Habano.
Binder leaves are chosen for their unique flavor and are used to form the final shape of the cigar. I am unsure how many layers they account for but since there are several binder leaves (3 to 5 full leaves), it seems it would challenge the wrapper in influence, in my opinion.
Lets use 4% of the cigar's girth for the binder leaves.
Then comes the filler, making up the vast bulk of the cigar. These leaves are also cured and aged to bring out their finest qualities. Both binder and filler leaves are from Sun Grown tobacco plants.
Here is a quote from Habanos SA referring to Sun Grown leaves and their impact on flavors, specifying the flavor profile of each type of sun grown leaf used in a blend.
" The full force of Cuban sunlight develops the glorious variety of flavors that are blended to form the rich and complex taste of a Habano. "
Here is an excerpt from Habanos SA referring to the filler
" Three types of leaf are blended to form the filler, or tripa, source of the rich flavors and aromas that immediately distinguish a Habano from the rest.
Volado: Light-flavored leaf, especially valued for its combustibility - also known as Fortaleza 1 (Strength 1).
Seco: Medium-flavored, the most important leaf for aroma - Fortaleza 2 (Strength 2).
Ligero: Full-flavored, slow-burning for a touch of strength - Fortaleza 3 (Strength 3). "
Master Blenders in the industry consider filler leaves to be what most influences the strength and flavors of a cigar and use them to determine the cigars final taste. Since the filler accounts for 95% of the overall weight of the cigar, plus or minus of course, then it seems safe to assume that it would heavily influence the flavors. Furthermore, if the binder leaves account for 4%, they too would contribute to the overall flavor more than a single wrapper leaf could.
So in conclusion, the facts point to little if any real influence from the wrapper, certainly not based on the shade of the leaf and even less since all wrappers are shade grown which results in perfect leaves but less flavor.
I do, however, think there is some influence for very dark wrappers, extra aged leaves and so on... I suggest 7% to 10% is a reasonable  range based on the logic. When I reach for a dark and rich colored Montecristo No 2, I do indeed feel it will impact the flavor profile of the cigar, just not to the extreme, but increasing or changing flavor by 10% is still significant if true and regardless, the dark oily wrapper appearance enhances the pleasure of smoking a Cuban cigar.
A friend did make a valid point during our discussion, when he posed that the smaller diameter cigars, say 38 ring, could see increased impact on their flavor from the wrapper. I would agree with this premise and say it still falls into the 7% to 10% range.. |
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Preparing the wrappers
The wrapper leaves are now fully aged and it is time for their final sorting and classification. They must also be stripped of their stems.
A moistening, or moja, brings them to the supple condition required for  stripping and sorting, and their final
purpose of wrapping a cigar.
The gavillas or bunches of 40 leaves are held under a fine spray of pure water. Excess droplets are then shaken off with practised flourishes to avoid any staining, and the leaves are hung on  racks overnight so the moisture is
absorbed evenly.
Next morning the tender hands of highly skilled women perform the despalillo (stripping) and the rezagado (grading). One movement deftly removes the central vein of the leaf leaving its two 
halves ready to be graded into some 20
finely distinguished sizes and shades.
These women work from piles of leaves on their laps, lending weight perhaps to the popular myth that Habanos are rolled on maidens' thighs!
Preparing the fillers
 Filler and binder leaves are carefully removed from their bales for examination.
If necessary they are aired on racks to remove excess moisture. Then they are placed in wooden barrels for storage until they are judged to be ready.
Composing the blend
 The task of selecting the blends for each brand according to its own recipe starts well before the bales reached the factory.
As soon as the factory's future production schedule for brands and sizes is known, the Ligador or Master Blender draws up a list of all the tobaccos he will need to make them.
At the central warehouse a selection is made from a huge stock of bales containing every type of leaf, each classified by its tiempo (ligero, seco, volado and capote), its size, its age and, most important of all, by its zone of origin.
There is an established link between the factory and the zones that supply the leaf for the brands it manufactures. Nevertheless it is the Master Blender's responsibility to sample the flavour of the tobaccos in use from day to day. He carries the recipe for each brand and size in his head and is the guardian of their consistency.
The ratio of each type of leaf that the Master Blender specifies for the cigars in production is assembled by the blending department in batches issued to the cigar rollers for the
day's work.
They call the blending department La Barajita - literally 'the pack of cards' - because the process of assembling the leaves for a blend is similar to shuffling cards.
Finally, three years or more since the oldest leaf was picked, it is now about to become a Habano..
Torcido (Hand Making) - Totalmente a Mano
All but a small number of Habanos are made totally by hand with a filler composed of complete leaves. These are the classic Totalmente a Mano Tripa Larga (long filler) Habanos.
or tools they have only a wooden board, two cutters (the flat-bladed chaveta and the little disccutting casquillo), a guillotine, a pot of colourless and flavourless natural vegetable gum, a template to check length and girth - and the skill of their fingers.
 There are four grades of Torcedor and only the top grade is allowed to make the biggest, most complicated Habanos.
It takes many years to reach the peak of this time-honoured craft, but one thing at least has changed.
Most Torcedores these days are women (Torcedoras).
By tradition, a reader reads to the Torcedores as they work, from the daily newspaper and from novels selected by popular vote.
 First the Torcedora lays out the two or sometimes three half leaves that form the binder, placed so that the veined undersides of the leaves will face inwards when the cigar is formed.
Next she gathers together the leaves of the filler, folding and aligning each leaf to ensure a straight passage for smoke in the finished cigar. All leaves are placed with their lighter-flavoured tips towards what will be the foot (the lit end) of the cigar so that the flavour will intensify as it is smoked. The stronger-flavoured, slower-burning ligero leaf is always placed at the centre.
 Now the Torcedora forms the 'bunch' by rolling the filler into the binder to the precise diameter required for that particular Habano. Rolling starts at what will become the foot of the cigar.
Compression of the filler must be consistent at all points.
The word torcedor translates as 'twister', but this is precisely what the torcedor must not do at this stage. The head (the mouth
end) of the bunch is then cut square with the guillotine.
The Torcedora makes her bunches in batches and presses them for 30 minutes or more in a wooden mould to set their shape.
 Next the Torcedora prepares the half leaf for the wrapper, still moist so that it will form perfectly to the shape of the bunch. She lays it on the board with its most veined side facing upward, leaving its smoothest side to be visible on the outside of the cigar.
 The bunch is laid on the wrapper and rolled, starting at the cigar's foot with the tip of the wrapper leaf. Sensitive fingertips carefully stretch and straighten the leaf as the bunch takes up the wrapper. The tension in the leaf has to be perfect.
 Next comes the 'cap'. First a section called the 'flag' is cut out from the spare wrapper leaf. It is then wound round the head to close off the open end and secure the wrapper.
 To add the finishing touch, a small disc of wrapper is cut out with the casquillo and secured on the head with vegetable gum.
 Finally the cigar is guillotined to length, and the work is complete. In a day a good Torcedor can make between 60 and 150 Habanos in this fashion, depending on the size and complexity of the shape. |
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~ Cuban Cigar Samplers ~
We create Cuban Cigar Samplers for several good reasons.
- Discounted price saves vs buying singles
- Great selection of Cuban flavors, so you try a variety. Even the best Cuban cigar is not for every day, so we want you to have a full selection in your humidor
- Samplers by size, make shopping easy & convenient
- Makes gift buying easy. A sampler of the size he enjoys. Call to discuss what size he likes, we can help.
- Samplers by brand, so you can try many sizes before you buy a box of your favorite brand
- Our samplers fit in your club box, so you can receive your club discount and FREE shipping as well
Here are just some of our fine Cuban Cigar Samplers
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ROBUSTO SAMPLER NO 1 - 10 cuban cigars
To learn more: visit our Cuban Cigar Samplers page |
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FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS SAMPLER - 20 cuban cigars
To learn more visit our Cuban cigar samplers page |
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TRES PETIT CORONA SAMPLER - 14 cuban cigars
To learn more visit our Cuban Cigar Samplers page |
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TORPEDO / BELICOSO SAMPLER - 10 cuban cigars
To learn more visit our Cuban Cigar Samplers page |
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TWOSOME SAMPLER - 12 cuban cigars
To learn more visit our Cuban Cigar Samplers page |
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ROBUSTO SAMPLER NO 2 - 10 cuban cigars
To learn more visit our Cuban Cigar Sampler page |
Visit www.canadiancigar.com
Cuban Cigar Samplers page to see ALL our sampler selections and more.... |
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Sale prices on Cuban cigars each month!
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A variety of Cuban cigars!
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Check out our
Feature Box Specials
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Cuban Cigar Review
Montecristo
Open Eagle
5 7/8 x 54 robusto extra
reviewed by Cameron M.
Montecristo Open Eagle - One of the newest offerings from Montecristo.
I paired this with a Belvedere vodka martini (2 olives).
This cigar presented itself with a silky smooth wrapper the colouring was a 2/6.
When smoking the cigar it had the typical Monte favors but just a touch milder.
I found this cigar to be light to medium in strength, it had a razor sharp burn and was very enjoyable.
When I first lit this vitola there were hints of light nutmeg with notes of dry cedar and faint of hints of leather.
My overall rating for this cigar is 94/100.
CA Magazines most recent rating was a 89/100 Aug 2010
CM 2012
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Cuban Cigar Review
Cohiba Corona Especiale 6 x 38
reviewed by Cameron M
This is a smaller cigar. Slender 38 ring and fairly long, but don't shy away from its dominative size as it is well worth smoking.
The flavors are light cream with cocoa undertones. The wrapper was 2/6 with a wonderful draw.
I was surprised how good this cigar was as I usually smoke the larger diameter Cohibas but this was a true treat.
My overall rating is 93/100
CA Magazines most recent rating was 90/100 June 2012
CM 2012
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Cuban Cigar Review
 Trinidad Coloniale
petit corona 44 x 5 1/3
reviewed by
Brad G
Impeccable construction with tight pigtail cap, light shade wrapper (3 of 6)
A smaller cigar, but with a decent 44 ring. The saying "good things come in small packages" rings true here in spades!
Prelight aroma tantalizes with the typical tea and farm pasture one comes to expect from a fine Havana.
After lighting, my palate was immersed with loads of smoke that suggested hints of espress
o mixed with dark chocolate, nougat and a indescribable velvety sweetness that was BALANCED and never cloying.
I savored this cigar with my friend Phillip, who agreed it had a sweet, complex and "silky smooth" finish that was perfectly balanced with our after dinner drinks of Balvenie 17 y/o Rum Cask Scotch.
This is a perfect "anytime" cigar smokable after breakfast, lunch, espresso or a light dinner. I don't think a heavy meal like a steak would pair well.
Overall my rating was a solid 93/100, and the cigar presented a medium strength. Surprisingly, the coloniale is sure to become one of my "go to" stogies
CA Magazines most recent rating was 90/100 Oct 2011
BG 2012
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Cigar Aficionado Magazine
Ratings for Cuban cigars from June 2012
H Upmann Sir Winston 94/100
Bolivar Royal Corona 92/100
Romeo y Julieta Short Churchill 92/100
Diplomaticos No 2 91/100
Partagas Short 91/100
Ramon Allones Small Club Corona 91/100
Cohiba Corona Especial 90/100
H Upmann Magnum 50 90/100
Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial 90/100
Montecristo Especial No 2 90/100
Montecristo Open Regatta 90/100
You can enjoy one or all of these fine highly rated Cuban cigars by visiting
www.canadiancigar.com
and placing your order now!
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Just joking...
Your Chuckle for today
A golfer's lucky day!
A golfer is walking down the road carrying his clubs when he sees an Arab being held up at gunpoint. He pulls out a wedge and smashes it over the back of the robber's head, knocking him unconscious.
"You probably saved my life" says the grateful Arab. "I am a member of the Saudi Royal Family and I have the power and money to give you anything you desire as a reward".
The golfer glances at his golf bag. "Some golf clubs would be nice" he says.
Two weeks later, the sheikh's secretary calls him up. "We've got your golf clubs" she says "but the sheikh would like to apologize to you in advance: only three of them have swimming pools".
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Even old guys are competitive
Two old men are sat on a bench at the park. A young, fit girl runs past in a sports bra and a tiny pair of shorts. One of the men smiles and this brings the girl over. "Why are you staring at me and grinning, pervert?" she says. The old man sweetly replies "My dear I'm not smiling at you, I'm smiling at the thought that no matter how bad the world gets, there will always be young, pretty girls in the summer to cheer up a lonely old man". The girl replies "Awwwww you sweet old man" leans in and gives him a kiss on the cheek and jogs on. The old man turns to his friend and says "Two nothing, your turn". ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A proud Ohio Father! The year is 2016 and the United States has just elected the first woman president, who happens to be from Ohio. A few days after the election the president-elect, whose name is Susan, calls her father and says "So dad, I assume you will be coming to my inauguration?" "I don't think so. It's an 18 hour drive". "Don't worry about it Dad - I'll send Air Force One and a limousine will pick you up at your door". "I don't know. Everybody will be so fancy. What would your mother wear?" Oh Dad" replies Susan "I'll make sure she has a wonderful gown custom-made by the best designer in Washington". "Honey" dad complains "you know I can't eat those rich foods you eat". The President-to-be responds "Don't worry Dad. The best caterer in Washington will handle the entire affair, Ill ensure your meals are salt free. You and mum just have to be there". So dad reluctantly agrees and on January 20, 2017, Susan is being sworn in as President of the United States. In the front row sits the new president's dad and mum. Dad noticing the senator sitting next to him leans over and whispers "You see that woman over there with her hand on the Bible, becoming President of the United States". The Senator whispers back "You bet I do". Dad says proudly "Her brother played football at Ohio State". ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A fellow had just been hired as the new CEO of a large high tech corporation. The CEO who was stepping down met with him privately and presented him with three numbered envelopes.
"Open one of these if you run up against a problem you don't think you can solve," he said.
Well, things went along pretty smoothly, but six months later, sales took a downturn and he was really catching a lot of heat. About at his wit's end, he remembered the envelopes. He went to his drawer and took out the first envelope. The message read, "Blame your predecessor." The new CEO called a press conference and tactfully laid the blame at the feet of the previous CEO. Satisfied with his comments, the press and Wall Street responded positively, sales began to pick up and the problem was soon behind him.
About a year later, the company was again experiencing a slight dip in sales, combined with serious product problems. Having learned from his previous experience, the CEO quickly opened the second envelope. The message read, "Reorganize." This he did, and the company quickly rebounded.
After several consecutive profitable quarters, the company once again fell on difficult times. The CEO went to his office, closed the door and opened the third envelope.
The message said, "Prepare three envelopes."
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Double Corona's, Muralla's, Robusto Extra's, torpedo's, churchills and Cuban Limited Editions and Regional Productions.
15% off all other purchases as a Diamond member.
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Alberta, Canada residents please note that AB tobacco tax and gst will be added
See the Alberta resident Monthly Cuban Cigar page for details and specific pricing |
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