Cigar Basics for Beginners

A compiled list of frequently asked questions about cigars:

• ​​How long does it take to smoke a cigar?

Depending on the size, a Robusto usually 45 minutes, Toro a little over and hour and Gordo an hour and a half to two hours. Generally, individuals take a minute between puffs in order to keep the cigar cool.

• How do you properly light a cigar?

You want to get an even burn on the cigar, toasting the foot in a circular manner so the wrapper and binder seal together and don’t allow the wrapper to unravel. then you light the middle of the foot of the cigar in order to properly allow it to burn. Toasting the foot is the outer edges of the wrapper at the end of the cigar or also referred to as the foot.​​

• What are the different types of cutters?

Straight, V cut and Punch.​

• What are the three most common cigar sizes people smoke?

Robusto 5X50, Toro 6X52, Gordo 6X60

• What are the three parts of a cigar?

The three parts of a cigar are the wrapper, binder, and filler.

• What are the three basic cigar wrappers?

Connecticut, Habano, and Maduro.​​

• What is the correct name for size and gauge of a cigar?

The correct name for size and gauge of a cigar is
​ Vitola

Why Do Cigars Have a Wrapper, Binder and Filler?

Cigars are made from three different types of tobacco leaves, also known as the wrapper, binder and filler. However, each of the three leaves serves their own purpose in influencing your premium cigar. The wrapper, serves as a protective shield. Often, prior to rolling your cigar, cigar manufacturers use cheesecloth to prevent the wrapper from being exposed to solar waves. In using cheesecloth, cigar rollers are reducing the wrapper’s exposure to the sun by 30-35%, which in turn ensures the cigar remains intact throughout the rolling, storing and smoking process.

The wrapper also ensures that the cigar can be easily lit, remains intact and ensures the tobacco leaves maintain their smooth texture. In premium cigars, the wrapper also serves as a means of adding a distinct taste and aroma to your cigar.
The binder, or leaves are the next part of your cigar. Contrasting the wrapper, the binder is exposed heavily to the sun. However, not all binders are made equally. Characteristics of premium cigar binders include being taken from the middle of the stem of the tobacco plant, having a moderate level of elasticity, and being absorbent. In addition, quality binders help to ensure that your cigar is easily lit.
While both the wrapper and binder of the cigar are important attributes, the filler directly influences the flavor profile. However, the aroma of the filler, will depend on where the leaves were cultivated, and the curing process used by the manufacturer. Similar to the binder and the wrapper, premium cigar fillers ensure that the cigar can be properly lit. Yet, in addition to ensuring the cigar can be easily enjoyed, the filler also influences the content of nicotine present in the cigar.
Although the wrapper, binder and filler all serve their own purpose, they work in conjunction to influence the quality and flavor profile of your cigar. When purchasing a premium cigar from Frontline Cigars, rest assured that we use our knowledge of the cultivating process, and curing methods to provide you with a high-quality, premium cigar.