All over the world all sorts of attempts are made to stop cigarette smoking. Many studies have proven the harm from such a habit. On the other hand - smoking cigars, which are significantly different from the smaller "brothers".
Today they can be freely purchased at the store or ordered online. But, there was a time when this small bundle of tobacco leaves could not be obtained by any means. They could be received only by selected and honored guests.
Over the centuries of history, the best Cuban cigars have formed a cult and have gained a real army of fans and avid fans. Among them, all segments of the population: from simple hard workers tasting the aroma only on holidays, to world-famous stars and even presidents.
For example, Winston Churchill practically did not part with cigars and smoked at least 15 pieces a day. It is known that John Kennedy imposed a ban on any trade relations with Cuba, which produces the best brands in the world. Only few people know that before signing the corresponding document he personally brought about 1,200 units.
Scientists have done a lot of research, during which they could not come to one opinion regarding the benefits that a real Cuban cigar can bring. Many famous personalities, for example, Queen of France Catherine de Medici, used good cigars to treat various ailments.
Cigar history
For the first time they talked about them on the "Santa Maria", a ship famous for Christopher Columbus. Crew members described Indians smoking strange bundles. Already in the 17th century, it was possible to get a cigar, which opened a new chapter in history. The main places of steel production:
In the 20th century, doctors even recommended tobacco bundles from leaves to be smoked by pregnant women so that they would not become fat. Today, the most expensive and high-quality cigars are those manufactured specifically in their homeland - Cuba. In 2006, the most expensive cigar was sold , the cost of which amounted to $ 1,150.
Cigar production - removal of impurities
One of the determining factors of quality is the plantation on which tobacco is grown. Only from the leaves of the highest class that meet a large number of requirements can the best Cuban cigars be obtained. No self-respecting factory uses any pesticides or chemicals. They simply spoil the taste and aroma, for the sake of which they acquire these small convolutions.
The thinnest and rarest leaves are taken to the factory, which enter the first stage of production - fermentation. This process is so complex that it consists of several stages. As a result, tastes should improve and the content of various impurities should be minimized, including:
- nicotine,
- different types of resins
- ammonium.
At the first stage, the selected leaves are dried in sealed bags. Then they move to a special room in which sunlight will not get. During this process, tobacco leaves acquire an exceptional flavor. At the final stage of fermentation, the maximum possible purification from various impurities occurs.
Cuban cigars, the production of which takes place at the famous factories of Cuba, has a unique aroma and excellent taste sensations due to the fact that all stages of fermentation go through without fail. This guarantees quality worthy of the best brand.
Tobacco preparation
Before tobacco leaves can be used, they must go a long enough way through the factory floors and to prevent even the slightest mistake or oversight, each leaf is closely watched by tabaquero. These are specially trained workers whose main task is to control each stage of production.
All deformed leaves and insects accidentally caught are previously removed. Experienced workers sort by various criteria:
- size
- thickness
- color
- quality.
To get the really best Cuban cigars, the leaves are blended - the stage at which preparation is carried out on the basis of varietal characteristics, after which they are mixed. This process is one of the most important, because you need to correctly determine the aroma of essential oils.
It depends on how well the mixture for a particular variety will be selected and composed. This is done by real professionals who have undergone a selection of grandiose complexity. To get such a job is not just difficult, it is almost impossible.
Perfect shape
Tobacco workers are people who are responsible for the correct form of a cigar, the price of which depends not only on quality, but also on appearance. They masterfully handle chaveta - a special knife with which the edges of the leaves are cut and the stem cut.
Due to the fact that a real cigar consists of a whole sheet, the air passes through it without hindrance, guaranteeing an indescribable aroma. Inside are three sheets at once. One of them has a pleasant aroma, the second provides a mild flavor, and the third is needed for good burning.
A cigar box contains cigars of the same color and thickness. People who control this process have world-famous names and vast experience. This is a very responsible position.
No automation
It is worth noting that in factories there is no automation at all. All processes will be performed exclusively by hand: from collecting the necessary sheets to gluing special tags. That is why Cuban cigars in Moscow or any other city can be purchased exclusively at a high price. If the so-called budget option is offered, then this is either a fake or a low-quality cigar.
Typically, these tobacco products are stored in special boxes. The cigar box is made of precious wood. This allows for almost ideal storage conditions. The main requirement is the absence of temperature differences. If it is not taken into account, then there is a risk of the appearance of tobacco beetles.
Today, Cuban cigars in Moscow and other cities around the world offer just a huge assortment. It is not a problem for an experienced smoker to make a choice, but for a beginner it will be quite difficult to determine. Among the many brands there are several really outstanding with a rich history.
COHIBA
Too many fans around the world will answer unambiguously which cigars are the best - the best Cuban cigars are COHIBA. This brand constantly sets the bar, which is very difficult for many to reach. Extremely high-quality products are produced, known for a huge palette of tastes and aromas.
A distinctive feature is the ring, which immediately catches your eye with its three colors - orange, white and black. The name COHIBA appeared thanks to the Indians, who used the so-called tobacco plant. It took root and became known around the world.
Bolivar
The main differences of this brand, according to which it is quite easy to identify, is a wide range of tastes and a very not pretty appearance. As for the taste and aroma, they start from extremely soft and end brutally strong. Anyone can purchase a set of Cuban cigars BOLIVAR to their liking and fully enjoy the acquisition.
If we talk about the appearance, then many experts expressed their bewilderment. Cigars with such a delicious taste do not have the best appearance and at first glance it may seem that they are of poor quality. But the one who at least once tried BOLIVAR cigars was fully satisfied.
LA FLOR DE CANO
This brand became recognizable only in the eighties of the last century. She owes her success to a simple formula that works in almost every field. The creators have combined tobacco of exceptional quality and an excellent cigar shape.
The brand became most widespread among young people, thanks to a slightly sweet taste. The disadvantages of this brand include a relatively small assortment.
LA GLORIA CUBANA
Most fans will say that the cigars of this brand have a mild, not too aggressive taste. Thanks to him, the number of brand followers is growing rapidly. But, LA GLORIA CUBANA can offer a fairly large assortment: from pleasant aromas to original and tough.
HOYO DE MONTERREY
It's hard to find a cigar lover who doesn't know the HOYO DE MONTERREY brand. Most of them started smoking with this particular brand. The fact is that the simplest cigars burn evenly and offer a taste sensation that most beginners like.
The factory is known worldwide for its secret. All cigars have a specific pleasant aroma. An interesting combination of floral aromas creates a feeling of sweetness. This brand has a very interesting and rich history. A noble brand whose craftsmen carefully preserve their secrets.
H. UPMANN
Enough "adult" brand, which produces a diverse assortment, but the highlight is cigars with the so-called scratching taste. Connoisseurs found in this something noble and rare, everyone else did not understand the idea. Despite the fact that some of the fans lost the brand, there are still a lot of followers who regularly use cigars of this particular brand.
Every year new ratings of the best brands are compiled, cigars are produced, the price of which seems simply unrealistic. Invariably one thing, for many years now tobacco products made in Cuba have remained the best.
For beginners, it’s better to start with “simple” cigars with a neutral taste. This will allow you to get used to and understand the taste of the cigar. Then you can experiment in search of the best for yourself. Each brand has something to offer, so you should try all of them first.