When you begin your cigar initiation, you're quickly struck by the complexity of this universe, which combines the pleasure of tasting with the richness of a specific culture. More than just an object of pleasure, cigars are a discipline in their own right. It has its own specific codes and lexicon, which you need to master if you want to develop your knowledge of the subject. To help you in your task, we've put together some of the terms most commonly used to describe cigars and their world.
Cigar anatomy vocabulary
Cape ( or wrapper): the tobacco leaf that wraps the filler and binder of a cigar. It is generally chosen for its finesse, elegance and combustibility.
Sub-cape ( or binder): tobacco leaf that covers the filler and protects the wrapper from tearing.
Tripe (or filler): the central part of the cigar, generally made up of a mixture of whole or chopped tobacco leaves.
Foot The part of the cigar that houses the cap and towards which the flame is directed to light the cigar.
Head The part of the cigar that is usually cut and brought to the mouth.
Headdress The part of the cigar at the foot of the cigar that is cut off before lighting. This is a finishing operation performed by torcedors to hold the wrapper in place.
Doll tobacco leaf: refers to all the tobacco leaves that make up the tripe and the undergrowth.
Caliber (or cepo): diameter of a cigar.
Module All the physical characteristics of a cigar (diameter, length and shape).
Ring A paper ring at the top of a cigar, bearing the name of its manufacturer.
Claro, Double Claro, Colorado Claro, Colorado, Colorado Maduro, Maduro and Oscuro Shades of capes from light to dark brown.
Cigar-tasting vocabulary
Force cigar strength (mild, medium, full-bodied).
Body sensations experienced in the mouth during tasting.
Roundness A blend of straightforward, uncluttered aromas (as opposed to "melted").
Taste all the flavors of a cigar.
Flavors The taste impressions of a cigar (sweet, salty, bitter and acidic flavors).
Aromas olfactory impressions: the olfactory or retroolfactory impressions of a cigar (vegetal, spicy, earthy, mineral, fruity, grilled aromas, etc.).
Cigar-making vocabulary
Puro A cigar made from tobacco leaves grown in the same area.
Habano A cigar made in Cuba from tobacco leaves grown on the island. It is a protected designation of origin (PDO).
Blend A cigar made from tobacco leaves from different terroirs.
Torcedor employee of a cigar factory in charge of rolling cigars.
Veguero Agricultural worker on tobacco plantations.
Vitola de salida refers to the trade name of a brand or range of cigars.
Vitola de galera refers to the official format of a cigar (its shape, length and diameter).
Ligero tobacco leaf: name given to the leaves at the top of a tobacco plant. They define the strength of a cigar.
Seco The name given to the leaves in the middle of a tobacco plant. These are the leaves responsible for a cigar's aromatic panel.
Volado tobacco leaf: name given to the lower leaves of the tobacco plant, which ensure a cigar's combustibility.
Totalmente a mano A cigar made entirely by hand.
Hecho a mano A cigar whose wrapper and binder are rolled by hand, but whose filler (short) is generally made by machine.
Sun Grown tobacco growing in the open air.
Shade Grown : type of tobacco cultivation in the shade.
Cigar vocabulary
Parejos (straight cigars) :
Small corona Module size L. 125 mm; Ăž 16-17 mm.
Corona Closed-head module, usually cylindrical; special L 140 mm; l 15-17 mm.
Gran corona Module size L. 140-150 mm; Ăž 16-19 mm.
Double Corona Module size L. 190 mm; Ăž 20 mm.
Panetela Module size L. 100-170 mm; Ăž 10 mm.
Gran Panetela Module size L. 190 mm; Ăž 15 mm.
Robusto Module size L. 121-127 mm; Ăž 19-20 mm.
Lonsdale Module size L. 150 mm; Ăž 16-17 mm.
Churchill Module size: L. 170mm; Ăž 17 - 19 mm.
Especial Module size L. 235-240 mm; Ăž 19 mm.
Figurados (non-straight cigars) :
Shell Standard dimensions 156 x 20.64 mm.
Perfecto Module with round head and pointed foot.
Torpedo Pyramid module.
Belicoso Standard dimensions 140 x 20.64 mm.
Pyramid Cigar conical along its entire length. Standard dimensions L. 148-179 ;
Ăž 16-20 mm.
Culebra Standard dimensions: 146 x 15.48.
Cigarillos Term used for little cigars with both ends already cut.
Other common terms
Civet A sales outlet specializing in cigars and cigar-related items.
Humidor : humidor for cigars.
Hygrometer Measuring instrument for air humidity.
Aficionado A passionate cigar enthusiast.
