New UK Cigar Smoking World Championship Record Made by Havana House Director Paresh Patel
9 September 2022 by Ellie
We certainly know a thing or two about smoking cigars here at Havana House, and with a new UK record for slow smoking at the CSWC qualifiers under our belt thanks to our Director, Paresh Patel, it’s safe to say we’re pros!
We’re excited to share that Havana House Director, Paresh Patel, has set a new UK record at the Cigar Smoking World Championship qualifier! Paresh managed to enjoy his cigar for an impressive 2 hours 10 minutes and 59 seconds at the qualifying event held in Windsor in July 2022.
Not only is this a new record for the UK, but it also meant that Paresh was in the top 20 competitors in the world, coming in at position 13 in the slow smoking qualifiers, meaning he was able to compete in the Cigar Smoking World Championship final.
The Cigar Smoking World Championship (CSWC) was first held on the 10th November 2010 in Split, Croatia. The Championship intends to celebrate passion and love for great cigars, and has only grown in popularity since its conception by Mark Bilic.
Since the first World Championship, the CSWC has been headed by Mark Bilic alongside Mareva Vice President Ivana Vrdoljak to bring cigar lovers together across the world.
Unlike other races of competitions, the aim of the CSWC is to see who can smoke a cigar for the longest time, meaning that the slowest smoker wins!
CSWC Rules
To keep the competition fair, there are a few rules that need to be followed for the CSWC:
All participants receive the same cigar that they picked themselves from the box.
Participants may only use items provided by the organiser. These items include a cigar cutter and a box with two long matches.
The winner of the competition is the person who smokes the cigar for the longest period of time without having to relight it.
The competition will be judged by two judges and penalty points may be awarded throughout.
CSWC World Champion of 2022
The winner of the CSWC for 2022 is Borys Szkodzik from Poland, who smoked the competition cigar in 3 hours 20 minutes and 3 seconds.
Cigar Bunching Methods: Entubado, Accordion, Book and Lieberman
5 September 2022 by Ellie
For many, the ability to roll a cigar by hand is not only impressive but is considered a delicate art in the stogie world. However, not just anyone can whip up a premium cigar by hand, and it takes years of experience for a cigar roller to become truly skilful in his work.
An integral part of the cigar rolling process is when the filler tobacco is moulded together and wrapped up in binder leaf to form a perfect cigar; this is known as cigar bunching and requires the utmost skill to perform.
Today, we’ll be taking you through four different bunching methods including Entubado bunching, Accordion bunching, Book bunching and Lieberman bunching, as well as sharing the advantages of each and how they are used today.
Entubado Bunching of Cigar Filler Tobacco
Originally developed in Seville during the 1600s, Entubado bunching is one of the oldest methods of tobacco rolling but is rarely used by cigar manufacturers today due to being too time-consuming.
In this bunching technique, the filler leaves are twisted into thin scrolls that are then positioned alongside one another to form a bunch. This bunch is then rolled together in a binder leaf, creating a tightly wrapped cigar that delivers a beautiful combination of aromas and flavours.
Accordion Bunching of Cigar Filler Tobacco
Although Accordion bunching is not as refined as the Entubado method, it takes far less time and is thus used more frequently. In this method, the filler leaves are rolled from their edges inwards and piled up on top of each other until the bunching is complete.
Then, as with the Entubado technique, they are wrapped together in a binder leaf. Not only does Accordion bunching enable an exceptionally clean draw but as a result, it is also one of the more popular tobacco rolling techniques.
Book Bunching of Cigar Filler Tobacco
Undoubtedly the simplest method, Book bunching is when individual filler leaves are placed on top of one another and folded together neatly like the pages of a book.
However, while this rolling technique is the least complicated, the simple folding does result in less airflow through the cigar, meaning the flavours are not able to mix as easily as they would in Entubado or Accordion bunching.
Yet many cigar manufacturers employ this method due to its simplicity, thus maximising their roller’s output.
Lieberman Bunching of Cigar Filler Tobacco
Finally, instead of being carried out entirely by hand, Lieberman bunching is ultimately mechanically assisted bunching, carried out by a Lieberman machine as well as a roller.
The machine consists of a steel frame and a rubber mat and is placed on the roller’s workstation to enhance the rolling process. In this method, the filler leaves and binder leaf are placed together in a small groove underneath the rubber mat and rolled together by turning a lever, thus creating a perfectly rolled cigar every time.
As such, whether the cigars produced via this method can truly be considered as hand-rolled remains to be a controversial topic among connoisseurs. However, due to the roller’s heavy involvement in the process, the consensus among manufacturers is that they can!
While these are only a few of the most famous cigar bunching techniques, there are many more to discover. To find out more about how cigars are made, check out our blog or visit our website to browse our extensive range of premium cigars onlinenow.
Different Cigar Wrapper Types
4 September 2022 by Ellie
The wrapper of a cigar essentially acts as a form of marketing for the brand. As the first thing a cigar lover will see when inspecting their latest stogie purchase, the wrapper is a sign, indicating to them the taste, texture and flavours they may expect to find when enjoying a puff.
The appearance of the wrapper can even help to reveal the quality of the cigar, making it one of the most important aspects.
Cigar Wrapper Requirements
While the filler, of course, plays a part in the tastes we enjoy when smoking, the wrapper is responsible for between 60 and 90 percent of the total flavour of a cigar, making it the biggest factor contributing to the flavours and aromas.
As the wrapper must be large enough to neatly wrap around the filler and binder tobacco, be aesthetically perfect to act as marketing for the cigar, as well as being flavourful and tasty, there are very few tobacco leaves that can pass the strict rules that deem it worthy of being a wrapper.
Due to this, less than 10 percent of all tobacco is considered to be of the right quality to be used as a wrapper. This tends to make the wrapper the most costly aspect of the cigar.
Cigar Wrapper Leaf Colour
The colour of the wrapper is largely dependent on the ageing process. All tobacco leaves start off green in colour and progress through caramel tones to rich chocolatey browns.
Typically, wrappers sit on the brown colour spectrum, although some remain with green hues, while others are black. Each colour shade is linked to a type; usually named after the region in which the tobacco plant was grown or originated. In total, there are over fifty wrapper leaf types that have been named. Here are some of the most popular:
Candela Cigar Wrapper
One of the quickest aged types of wrapper, the candela remains green in colour when it is made into a cigar. While it still presents impressive flavour, the lack of ageing tends to make it a milder smoke. Candela cigar wrappers are most often used in cigars that are having a short run, or as a promotional run for new filler flavours or sizes.
Connecticut Shade Cigar Wrapper
Originating from the US state of Connecticut, this wrapper type gains its shady name based on the conditions in which it is grown. For one, the Northeastern state gets a little less sunny weather than the other main growing areas of the world, such as South America and Africa.
The main reason, however, is that Connecticut tobacco plants tend to be grown underneath a protective sheet, such as cheesecloth, to prevent the plant from getting damaged.
Gaining less sunlight in these conditions, the Connecticut shade wrapperis left far lighter in colour than other wrapper types and tends to have both a mild flavour and low level of nicotine. Regardless, it often presents a spicy or woody taste and can be found used as the wrapper of the popular Montecristo cigars.
Corojo Cigar Wrapper
Although Corojo was originally grown in Cuba, following the trade embargo, this wrapper type is now predominantly grown in Honduras.
However, the plant seed was used to the growing conditions of Cuba, so it now needs to be genetically modified in order to handle the soil and temperature type in its new location.
A little darker in colour than the Connecticut, the Corojo wrapper gives off peppery, spicy tones, with a full-bodied flavour. As a tougher tobacco, the Corojo sometimes doesn’t smoke quite as easily as other wrapper types, yet it is still favoured by many a cigar smoker.
Habano Cigar Wrapper
Another Cuban export, the Habano wrapper is now primarily grown in Nicaragua. With a strong, spicy flavour paired with an intense nicotine kick, the Habano is best suited to more experienced cigar smokers.
Maduro Cigar Wrapper
Sat on the darker end of the colour scale, the Maduro is aged for a long time to gain such a rich colour and flavour. Due to the lengthy ageing process, not all tobacco leaves have what it takes to be turned into a blemish-free Maduro wrapper.
To ensure that the leaves can withstand the long process of ageing, only the thickest and largest tobacco leaves are selected. Despite the richness of the colour and flavour, Maduro wrappers are renowned for their sweetness.
Oscuro Cigar Wrapper
Also known as the double Maduro, Oscuro wrappers are one of the darkest available. Basically black in colour, the Oscuro is left to age for even longer than the Maduro, for an even more intense wrapper look and flavour.
Which cigar wrapper type do you enjoy the most? Let us know in the comments below!
Cigar Review: Leaf by Oscar Maduro Robusto
1 September 2022 by Ellie
It’s pretty easy to see what the most visually appealing and unique part of the Leaf by Oscar line is; the tobacco leaf that covers the actual cigar.
While the extra leaf is the most noticeable, don’t overlook the band both on the outside and the one that adorns the actual cigar; they are made by a small Honduran company using the stems of tobacco leaves from Valladares’ factory, making this is a product that is 100 percent tobacco.
This is a true celebration of the tobacco leaf!
About the Leaf by Oscar Maduro Robusto Cigar
Owner: Oscar Valladares Factory: Oscar Valladares Tobacco & Co. Origin: Honduras Wrapper: Jalapa Maduro Binder: Honduran Filler: Honduran Strength: Medium Size: Robusto – 5 by 50 ring gauge
Reviewed by: Ross from the Windsor shop
The Beginning
The initial flavours from the cigar were very earthy, with a strong coffee component, and a touch of sweetness. There was a bit of dried fruit in there, but not too much. I detected a hint of black pepper on the nose but nothing mega strong; most pleasant. I found it medium in body right from the start.
The Middle
Coffee is still there and it is now joined by chocolate and hints of vanilla. Is this a cigar or a dessert? I love all of these flavours and they just work in this cigar.
The End
The final third had the most pleasant transition. All the flavours seemed to mix almost evenly, with the exception of the pepper which stayed in the background popping up in short bursts. The best thing about the cigar is just how creamy the smoke is, it is the definition of decadent.
Burn
The draw was excellent, and that’s the most important thing. The burn line was wavy but that’s probably due to the Maduro wrapper.
Draw
The draw was fantastic, with just the right amount of resistance.
Overall
The outer leaf wrapper turns the smoking experience into Christmas morning; you rip away the crinkly exterior leaf and find in your hands a delicious and beautiful treat.
I think this is one of best Honduran cigars out there and a must try if you’re wanting something a bit different from Dominican and Nicaraguan offerings.
Ross Rating: 9/10
What alcoholic drink would I pair the Leaf by Oscar Maduro Robusto with?
What soft drink would I pair the Leaf by Oscar Maduro Robusto with?
Coca Cola Original – Glass Bottle.
Would I smoke the Leaf by Oscar Maduro Robusto again?
Oscar has released so many great cigars and this is easily one of my favourites. I love opening that raw leaf to find a gem of a cigar inside. The Maduro version offers everything I want in a cigar. Can’t wait to have another.
What Should I Do With Cigars in Tubes?
22 August 2022 by Ellie
One of the most frequently asked questions regarding cigars involves the tubes that some are packaged in. If you have received tubed cigars, then you may be wondering whether they should be kept in the tube, stored in a humidor, or smoked straight away. We answer why cigars come in tubes and if cigars in tubes need a humidor.
Why Do Cigars Come In Tubes?
Tubes are primarily used as an extra layer of protection when packaging cigars to ensure that the smokes are preserved safely during their transportation. However, cynics may claim that tubos cigars are a marketing ploy, as many tubes proudly display their brand’s logos.
Tubed cigars are infinitely useful. Their individual packaging makes these cigars excellent gifts. They are ideal for retailers and customers who perhaps do not have the prime conditions for storing cigars, but want to purchase a cigar to smoke at a later date.
With many retailers wary of storing large quantities of premium cigars due to the fear of them getting damaged or the quality being impacted through storage, tubed cigars allow a wider range to be stocked.
How to Store Cigars in Tubes
There are many options for storing your tubed cigar – put the tube in a humidor still sealed; remove the lid and place the open tube in the humidor; or abandon the tube and place the cigar alone in the humidor. But which way is the right way?
Should You Remove Cigars in Tubes?
Ultimately, it comes down to when you are planning on smoking it. Tubes tend to make cigars mature slower than if they were uncovered. The tube keeps most air out, meaning that the aromas and flavours develop slowly. If you are looking to smoke it in the coming year or two, and want it to mature, then you will definitely want to remove it from the tube to quicken the pace of its aroma development.
If you are in no rush to smoke it and want to leave it maturing for some years, then keeping it in the tube can have some interesting effects. While it’s certainly not to everyone’s tastes, stronger cigars left to mature in their tubes can become milder. The slight evaporation of essential oils and ammonia that will occur inside the tubes also means that the aromas of the cigar will have changed from that which it originally held.
Should You Keep Cigars in Tubes in a Humidor?
Whatever you decide to do with the tube, it’s probably best to put it in the humidor either way. While the cap stops a lot of air getting in, it isn’t quite airtight, meaning that the cigar isn’t being humidified if it’s just left in the tube outside of a humidor.
One way around all of these variables is to keep the cigar within the tube, inside the humidor, but with the tube’s lid removed. This will protect the wrapper leaf from damage within your humidor, while still allowing humidified air to reach the cigar.
Tubes can be especially useful if you like to take a cigar with you when you go out and about. The tube protects the cigar if you are carrying it in your jacket pocket or bag. Tubed cigars can also be handy if you are travelling and do not have room to bring a travel humidor with you, as they are kept safe and fresh.
How Long Do Cigars Last in a Tube?
Cigars in a tube will stay fresh for a few days – perhaps up to a week or so – when removed from the humidor. A tubed cigar stays fresh for longer than a cigar not in a tube when taken out of your humidor.
It is still recommended to keep your tubed cigars in a humidor, as you can keep them indefinitely this way.
What do you do with your tubed cigars? Let us know in the comments and on social media.
Cigar Review: Hiram & Solomon Grand Architect Robusto
Created by Mason brothers, Fouad Kashouty and George Dakrat, Hiram & Solomon are for Freemason smokers who want to share a good cigar together and non-Mason smokers, with the aim to teach them more about the history of Freemasonry.
About the Hiram & Solomon Grand Architect Robusto
Owner: Hiram & Solomon Factory: Plasencia Cigars S.A. Origin: Nicaragua Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo Binder: Nicaraguan Seco Habano (Jalapa) Filler: Nicaraguan (2 types of Ligero from Estelí & Jalapa), Paraguay Strength: Medium Size: Robusto (5 x 52)
Reviewed by: Ross from the Windsor shop
“It is appropriate that a society founded on the principles of architecture, which symbolizes the terms of that science to moral purposes, and whose members profess to be architects of a spiritual temple should view the Divine Being, under whose holy law they are constructing that edifice, as their Master Builder or Great Architect. Sometimes, but less correctly, the title ‘Grand Architect of the Universe’ is found.”
The Beginning
The Grand Architect Robusto opens with a tiger uppercut. Peppery adventure with a bright lemony finish. Fifteen minutes in, this is pretty delightful. The pepper notes have subsided after the opening, leaving a nice dry, woody flavour dominating.
The Middle
The strength bumps up a notch, but this is still a medium-bodied smoke. I really enjoy the slight dryness with hints of coffee in there.
The End
The dryness continues with deeper notes of rich earth and coffee. Strength increases a bit toward the end, but still comfortably in the medium-full range.
Burn
A really steady burn throughout, which is down to the great blend and construction. No touch ups were needed.
Draw
Average smoke time for a cigar this size, draw had bite to it and gave a decent smoke output.
Overall
You don’t have to be in the Masonic brotherhood to enjoy this cigar. After all, the brotherhood of cigars trumps all. Medium to full body cigar with a delightfully rustic aroma. The Hiram & Solomon Grand Architect is a cigar no one should miss.
Ross Rating: 8/10
What alcoholic drink would I pair the Hiram & Solomon Grand Architect Robusto with?
What soft drink would I pair the Hiram & Solomon Grand Architect Robusto with?
I love to pair Hiram & Solomon cigars with Mirinda Orange.
Would I smoke the Hiram & Solomon Grand Architect Robusto again?
Yes, I have been a fan of all of the Hiram & Solomon cigars so far. Really good blends and fantastic construction.
The Anatomy of a Cigar
2 August 2022 by Ellie
You don’t need to have a full understanding of cigars to enjoy smoking them; however, knowing a little more about the anatomy of your cigar may give you a better appreciation for it and enhance your experience.
Parts of a Cigar
Cap of the Cigar
The cap is an essential component of the cigar, holding everything together. Made from a loose piece of tobacco, the cap is attached to the top of the cigar using natural glue to secure the wrapper and ensure that it does not unravel.
This is the portion of the cigar that you cut before the fun of smoking commences. It’s a good idea to cap about 2 millimetres off your cigar, but be sure to do it with an appropriate cigar cutter.
Body of the Cigar
The body is the main part of the cigar and is composed of three different layers of tobacco:
Wrapper Leaf of the Cigar
The outermost layer is the wrapper. It is a single tobacco leaf that is wrapped around the cigar. Sometimes, the wrapper is actually the most flavourful part of the stogie.
The leaves often come from the bottom of the tobacco plant, a section known as Volado, which burns well and helps the cigar to be smoked properly.
The tobacco leaf used for the wrapper must be absolutely flawless. In fact, the cigar makers are so resolute on providing the most aesthetically impeccable product that less than 10% of all tobacco gets accepted as being good enough to use as a wrapper. Because of this, it is the most expensive aspect of the whole cigar.
Binder Leaf of the Cigar
The next layer of the cigar is known as the binder and is arguably the most important. A coarser and tougher type of tobacco leaf referred to as Seco, which comes from the middle of the plant, is used here to hold the filler together.
These leaves do not provide much flavour, putting the key focus on the filler flavours that are expertly blended. The strength of this layer aids in the process of giving the cigar its signature shape.
Filler Leaves of the Cigar
The tobacco leaves in the middle of the cigar make up the filler. These dark and flavourful leaves, found at the top of the tobacco plant, called Ligero, are varied and impact the most on the taste of the cigar. The more ligero leaves used in the filler, the stronger the cigar will be.
In each filler, there are usually between two and five different sorts of tobacco. Master blenders take several varieties of tobacco, in different amounts, and then combine them to attain the desired taste and strength. This is the key aspect of producing a sense of individuality and uniqueness between brands and regions of cigar makers.
Short Filler and Long Filler Tobacco for Cigars
There are two types of filler tobacco, short filler and long filler.
Short filler is chopped tobacco leaves. It burns hotter as it is less densely packed. Often used in cheaper and machine-made cigars.
Long filler is whole tobacco leaves that are concertinaed. It burns for longer and typically offers a more complex smoke and flavour. More commonly used in premium cigars.
Foot of the Cigar
Sometimes known as the ‘tuck’, this is the open end of the cigar that you light. Not covered by the wrapper, you can see the blend of tobacco within the body. To really enhance your smoking experience, many like to smell this end before lighting the cigar, to really enjoy the expertly formed aromas.
How Cigars Are Made
Cigars can take more than three years to make. This is mostly down to the ageing process of the tobacco. It is aged for that long in order to obtain deeper and more complex flavours. The tobacco is examined carefully and constantly by experts specifically trained to guarantee top quality and consistency in the flavour, feel and form of the tobacco.
A torcedor then takes charge, highly-skilled in the art of combining the filler, binder and wrapper tobaccos, ensuring the cigar stays smooth and pleasing to the eye. But also, and most importantly, this expert cigar maker will make sure the stogie burns correctly.
Issues With Cigar Construction
There are, of course, problems that could (but shouldn’t!) arise in the construction of cigars. If too much filler is used, it can block the airflow through the cigar, meaning that it will frustratingly go out all the time, and may cause the wrapper to split.
Conversely, too little tobacco will give an uneven appearance and feel. Too much space for air to pass through will make the cigar burn faster than it should, which can mask the subtle flavour tones and ultimately taste unpleasant. To overcome such issues, it is best to buy premium cigars from sellers such as Havana House.
Whether you’re a cigar aficionado or a complete beginner, it can be interesting to stop and think about how our cigars are formed.
Each component of the cigars we stock are expertly formed and designed to come together as something truly spectacular! Why not take a look at the collection of cigars we have available for purchase online?
Guide to Cigar Ring Gauges
21 July 2022 by Ellie
Fashions change all the time, and while we would expect this from our clothes and décor, the same can absolutely be said for our cigar preferences too. One of the most noticeable phases for cigars is the size of the ring gauge. Over the years, the in-vogue cigar size has shifted, and these days we see a preference for much bigger ring gauges.
We take a look at the different ring gauge options, how ring gauge opinions have changed over the years and what sizing you should look for in a cigar.
What is a Ring Gauge?
Cigar size is determined by its length and its diameter. The diameter of the cigar is described by its ring gauge, which is measured in 1/64 inch. So, for example, a cigar with a ring gauge of 32 will be measured 32/64. In other words, that cigar would have a diameter of half an inch.
The standard ring gauge these days is typically around 50, although you will be able to find some much bigger and some much smaller.
You can find out more about how cigar sizing works in our handy guide to cigar sizes.
Cigar Ring Gauge Size Chart
Cigar Ring Gauge in Millimetres (mm)
While the ring gauge is the standard way to show the size of a cigar, we know that measuring things in 1/64ths of an inch isn’t the simplest thing to visualise how big your smoke is. Our conversion guide shows how a cigar ring gauge compares to millimetres and inches when measuring the width of your cigar.
Ring Gauge
Width (mm)
Width (inch)
26
10.24
0.41
28
11.02
0.44
30
11.81
0.47
32
12.6
0.5
34
13.39
0.53
36
14.17
0.56
38
14.96
0.59
40
15.75
0.63
42
16.54
0.66
44
17.32
0.69
46
18.11
0.72
48
18.9
0.75
50
19.69
0.78
52
20.47
0.81
54
21.26
0.84
56
22.05
0.88
58
22.83
0.91
60
23.62
0.94
62
24.41
0.97
64
25.2
1
Why Do Cigar Ring Gauge Sizes Matter?
The size of the cigar actually has quite an impact on the smoking experience.
How Does Size Impact the Smoke Experience of Your Cigar?
Typically, a cigar with a thinner ring gauge will smoke hotter. This is because it has a tighter draw, so less air will get through the cigar, making it a lot warmer. This can bring about its own problems, as the excess heat can cause unpleasant flavours to develop in the cigar. On the other hand, a cigar with a thicker ring gauge will likely smoke cooler, as more air can be drawn through.
How Does Size Impact the Flavour of Your Cigar?
However, some cigar aficionados actually prefer thinner gauge cigars because it means they have less filler tobacco. The most flavourful, and best quality tobacco leaves, will be used for the wrapper, so smoking a thinner cigar further highlights this aspect of the smoke by concentrating the flavour.
How Does Size Impact the Smoke Time of Your Cigar?
Generally speaking, the thicker the ring gauge, the longer the time it will take to smoke it. Cigars with thicker ring gauges will usually be bigger, as they are filled with more tobacco. This takes longer to burn, and no cigar should be rushed. If you find that smoking a cigar takes too long, or that you regularly find yourself unable to finish a smoke, then it might be an idea to try one with a smaller ring gauge.
What Size Cigars Are Best For Beginners?
If you’re a beginner to the world of smoking, then we would recommend a cigar with a smaller ring gauge to start off with. Something around the 40 mark would be perfect, as it gives you the chance to sample an average-sized cigar without getting overwhelmed by a bulkier smoke.
Problems With Thicker Ring Gauges
One of the bigger issues with having a cigar with a larger ring gauge is the fact that sometimes, they’ll be too big for the accessories you have. For example, a guillotine cigar cutter, where the cigar is placed through a hole to slice the cap off, may be too small to fit a cigar with a hefty ring gauge.
While there are other methods of cutting a cigar, discovering that the tools you have invested in do not work for some of your stogie stash can be pretty annoying!
The size of cigar you choose is completely up to you and your smoking preferences. While there are pros and cons to each type of cigar, ultimately the decision of what is best is up to you!
How Have Cigar Ring Gauge Sizes Changed Over the Years?
Until the past thirty years or so, a long and thin cigar would have been considered the best kind. A 26 ring gauge would have been an ideal size in the past, with ring gauges rarely exceeding 40.
However, since the 90s, there has been something of a shift in opinion in the cigar world. While the change was slow to take hold, nowadays, the idea that bigger is better is very much in play when it comes to cigars. For example, while a 26 ring gauge would have been standard in the 20th century, now, many aficionados would see a 50 ring gauge as being on the small side!
Why Are Bigger Ring Gauges Preferred Now?
As with all trends, changes in fashion are often to do with seeking a better appearance. While there are many flavour benefits of enjoying a bigger cigar, we do wonder if part of it is to do with the visual too!
As we know, cigars have long been regarded as a symbol of power and success. With this in mind, it would make sense that a bigger cigar would equate to a bigger statement of power.
A prime example of this in action can be seen in the movie Scarface (1984). Many characters in this film smoke cigars and there is a notable difference in their size as the plot develops and Tony Montana becomes increasingly powerful. At the start of the film, the types of cigars smoked are particularly skinny, pencil-like smokes, whereas by the end of the film, when Tony is in a position of power as boss of a Cartel, the cigars he smokes are much fatter.
The best way to discover which types of cigar you enjoy is to sample a variety, so if you’re looking to try out some smokes, then check out the range of cigars online in the UK we have available here at Havana House!
How to Cut a Torpedo Cigar
15 July 2022 by Ellie
Cigar shapes come in two formats: Parejos and Figurados. A Parejo is a classic cigar shape, with straight lines and a rounded head, while a Figurado has a shape that deviates from this. For example, a Figurado cigar may taper at the cap, flare at the foot, bulge in the middle or finish with a pigtail cap.
Figurado cigars include Torpedos, Belicosos and Pyramids, along with some other more exotic shapes and sizes of cigars.
With a more unusual shape than the standard Parejo format, you may be wondering how to cut a torpedo cigar, as the tapered head is different and you may need to change your technique to get the best results.
In this article, we’ll be looking into how to get a prime cut of a Torpedo cigar to ensure to delivers maximum flavour and smoking enjoyment.
What is a Torpedo Cigar?
A Torpedo cigar, as the name suggests, is shaped like the military weapon of the same name. Thankfully, that is where the similarities end.
Torpedo cigars typically taper between the cigar band and cap, reaching a point at the cap. From the band to the foot, they are actually similar to a Parejo, as it is straight from that point down.
The distinctions between Belicosos and Torpedos can often be marginal, leading to some aficionados using the term interchangeably. However, to be precise, Belicosos come to a taper more sharply, often continuing with the same width past the band and coming to a smaller, blunter point.
Where to Cut a Torpedo Cigar?
There are a couple of different methods of cutting a Torpedo, and these can be tailored to how much of a draw you’re looking for. The draw will determine the amount of flavour and smoke that comes through with each puff of the cigar. We’ll take a look the main two options below:
How to Cut a Torpedo Cigar With a V-Cutter
If you’re carrying a V-cutter, then you will be able to use this on your Torpedo. Because of the design and shape of the cutter, chances are you’ll end up not with a V-shape, but with a wedge, as the size of the cigar limits the amount of cap you can cut.
When using a V-cutter, we’d suggest holding the cigar with the label facing away from you and making a straight, clean cut.
We’d recommend starting just a few millimetres into the cigar and testing the draw from there, cut further into the cigar to increase the draw, but be careful not to lop the whole head!
After all, the whole point of the Torpedo is the head; taking this off would leave you with a classic Parejo.
How to Cut a Torpedo Cigar With a Straight Cutter
There are two methods you can opt for when using a straight cutter. The first is to cut the cigar horizontally at around 3mm-4mm deep, ensuring you keep plenty of the tapered head intact.
If you cut too close to the end, the draw may be tight, but too close to the band and the Torpedo becomes a regular Parejo.
Alternatively, you could look to try the angled cut. This sees the cigar being cut again with a straight cutter, but with the cutter held at a 45-degree angle.
Make sure the label is facing away from you, and the angle is down towards you. This will direct the smoke onto the palette and allow you to enjoy the full flavour of the cigar.
No matter which technique you opt for, we’d recommend using a Xikar cutter to ensure a sharp and clean cut.
If you’re looking to take a draw on your first Torpedo or want to restock your humidor with some of the finest, then check out our selection of Dominican cigars online.
Cigar Review: ADVentura The Explorer Torpedo Cigar
Showing off its ebony brown Cuban seed Habano wrapper, surrounding an Ecuador Sumatra aged binder, and top-quality fillers from Dominican Republic and Ecuador, the Adventura The Explorer Torpedo is a beautiful cigar, with tasty flavours of spice, dark chocolate, buttery leather, and wood in the finish. This medium-bodied cigar is solidly packed, with good construction and a smooth draw.
About the Adventura The Explorer Torpedo Cigar
Owner: ADVentura Factory: Tabacalera William Ventura Origin: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Mexican Habano Binder: Indonesian Sumatra Filler: Dominican Republic / Ecuador Strength: Medium Size: Torpedo 6″ by 52 ring gauge
Reviewed by: Ross from the Windsor shop
The Beginning
The initial flavours are earthy and lightly sweet. The retrohale has a light white pepper note. The ash is mottled grey and looks fairly solid. I can already tell the construction on this cigar is spot on.
The Middle
During the second third the flavour profile remains steady, as does the retrohale. The ash remains solid with a slightly uneven burn line, nothing to worry about.
The End
The retrohale is a beautiful charred cedar and mustiness (the nice kind). The cigar finishes with an earthiness to it, but there is still a sweet profile.
The strength in this third remained medium with no ramp up of strength. You can take this one right to the lips.
Burn
Burning with a bit of a wave but not a huge wave, The Explorer maintains a solid ash that I could leave for a while before it falls.
Draw
The draw was fantastic with just the right amount of resistance.
Overall
The ADVentura The Explorer Torpedo is all about balance. A fantastic mix of flavour all work really well together. The construction of the cigar is quality as is the blend of tobacco.
At no point was there anything in there I didn’t like and it is a testament to just how good cigars from the Dominican Republic can be. I knew this would make a great cigar of the month at Havana House.
Ross Rating: 8/10
What alcoholic drink would I pair the ADVentura The Explorer Torpedo with?
Rooster Rojo Smoked Pineapple Anejo Tequila(70cl / 38%) is a fruity Anejo Tequila from Rooster Rojo that has been matured for at least one year in ex-Bourbon casks and infused with cooked Spanish red pineapple.
Aromas of ripe bananas, sticky pineapple and smoke fill the nose, complemented by notes of tropical fruit, oak spice, roasted agave and smoke throughout the palate.
What soft drink would I pair the ADVentura The Explorer Torpedo with?
Coca Cola Original – Glass Bottle.
Would I smoke the ADVentura The Explorer Torpedo again?
I’m a big fan of ADVentura cigars; I think every cigar we offer from them brings different flavours to the table and the Explorer is so well balanced. I could happily smoke this cigar every week. Fantastic smoke.
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