Humidors

Cigar tobacco leaves are harvested and aged using a process that combines the use of heat with shade which reduces the sugar and water content without causing the large leaves to erode or rot. This being the stage, commonly known as curing, takes up to forty five days varying substantially and depends upon climate conditions as well as the construction of barns that are used to store the harvested tobacco. The curing process is manipulated based upon the type of tobacco, and the desired color of the leaf. The second part of the process, known as fermentation, is a slow process that allows the leaf to die slowly. The humidity or temperature is regulated ensuring that the delicate leaf continues to ferment, so as not to disintegrate and it is at this stage that the leaf acquires its aroma, flavor burning characteristics.After there has been a substantial aging period the leaves are separated into different groups that will determine quality and appearance for either filler or wrapper. During this process, the leaves are continually moistened and handled carefully to ensure that each leaf is best used according to its individual qualities. The leaves are continually baled and inspected repeatedly during this aging process. Once the leaf has matured to the manufacturer’s specifications it will be sent for cigar production.Experienced cigar rollers are able to produce literally hundreds of exquisite and almost identical cigars daily. Cigar rollers must keep the tobacco moist and especially the wrappers. The cigar rollers use special knives that are known as a chaveta speedily shaping the form of the filler and wrapper leaves to perfection. Once the cigars are rolled they are stored in wooden forms to dry in which their uncapped ends are cut to a uniform size. The cigar is now a complete product that can to the best of any one's knowledge be kept indefinitely if properly stored. Long term cigar aging requires significantly lower storage temperatures and for example forty degrees Fahrenheit is recommended for fifty year storage. The higher temperatures which are usually used in standard cigar storage will cause the deterioration of the cigar after several years that will result in total flavour lose. After buying your cigars the correct storage is essential and by keeping the cigars in a special wooden box, or humidor where the temperature and conditions can be carefully regulated for a very long time. Even if cigars become dry they can be successfully humidified as long as they have not been mishandled.Premium brands of cigars use a myriad of varieties of tobacco for either filler or wrapper. Premium cigars known as long filler cigars are of a higher quality because they use long leaves throughout the entire length of the cigar. These cigars also use a third variety of tobacco leaf known as a binder between the filler and the outer shell or wrapper; allowing the rollers the use of much more delicate and attractive leaves as a wrapper. High quality cigar makers almost always blend a variety of different tobacco. Cuban long filler cigars combine tobacco from different locations around the island to blend various flavors.

Cigar StorageHumidity in your humidor should be around 65 degrees to 75 degrees and if there is empty space in the humidor the humidity will drop.Humidor casings are typically made nowadays of a wood board and the interior is a Cedar or mahogany and is the most popular because it retains moisture helping to maintain humidity also the cedar wood box can add to the aroma of the cigarsAfter purchasing your humidor you will need to take a moist cloth and wipe down the interior to remove any dust. A small container of water is then placed inside the humidor for around twelve hours with the lid shut. If there is no or little water left inside then you will need to repeat the process for another twenty four hours. When the liquid in the container stops evaporating you can now place your cigars inside. This process keeps the wood moist which will then keep your cigars moist, also the use of distilled water is good because it is pure and lacks the minerals, bacteria and additives found in household tap water. If you are a big fan, collector and smoker of Cuban Cigars you can have a room size Humidor built to go with your fine wine cellar!