subject: An Introduction To The Anatomy Of The Cigar [print this page] While it's not necessary to understand the names of all the different parts of a cigar in order to enjoy a good smoke, you will be able to make a more informed decision about what types of cigars to add to your collection when you understand what each part of a cigar is commonly named. Learning these names will allow you to discuss cigar smoking with other aficionados with greater clarity and will help you to understand what it is you're buying when you are at your favorite cigar shop.
What are the parts of a cigar? To begin to answer that question let's start with the outside of the cigar, which is called the wrapper. The wrapper secures the tobacco within the stick and adds quite a bit of flavor to the smoke. The wrapper itself is made of tobacco leaf. You will notice that the wrapper of cigars varies in color and can be graded anywhere from very light (claro) to quite dark (oscuro).
Within the wrapper is the cigar tobacco filler, which may actually be a combination of tobaccos depending on the producer. This filler may be made up of whole leaves or tobacco scraps. When made up of whole leaves, it is considered long filler. When made up of tobacco scraps, it is considered short filler. In most cases, long filler is considered to be higher quality than short filler. Intermediate leaves called binders are used to hold the tobacco together within the wrapper.
While you don't need to know how a cigar is put together in order to smoke it, you do need to know what end of the cigar is what in order to light it properly and to smoke the right end. The head of the cigar is the end that is closed. This is the end that you will need to clip with a cigar cutter. Once clipped, this is the end of the cigar that you will put in your mouth while smoking. The opposite end is called the foot of the cigar, which is the portion that you will light.
On the head of a cigar is a small, but important part that is called the cap. The cap is made up of tobacco leaf and is glued to the end of the stogie to keep the tobacco fresh and to prevent the wrapper from unraveling. You will need to cut off a portion of this cap in order to enjoy your smoke.
