QUALITY CONTROL
After being rolled, cigars are measured for appropriate ring gauge, weight, length, texture, appearance, and color consistency before proceeding. In some cases cigar testers will smoke a sample to confirm quality. Over weight cigars indicate a tight draw or a plug, so these cigars are immediately rejected. Over the last decade, the most quality focused manufacturers have begun using draw testing machines to test their cigars. Draw testing adds another labor intensive step to the cigar making process, but it helps ensure consistent quality.
The following TU video shows several quality control (QC) steps taking place at once. First, the cigars are draw tested on a suction machine and then they are weighed. Next the QC technician enters the data on a spreadsheet, which produces a sort of "report card" for the roller whose cigars are being tested. This process facilitates accountability and control of the quality of the cigars being produced.
Many traditional cigar makers shun the draw testing machine believing that well trained supervisors are more effective at managing quality and ensuring that cigars draw properly.
The next video shows what TU considers the height of quality control and employee empowerment. At the La Aurora factory in the Dominican Republic, workers from every part of the company gather daily to taste, inspect, and rate a cigar before it is released to the public. This tasting panel will document their analysis and has the power to pull a product from inventory if it is not up to their standards.
Certified R&D Tobacconists: United States |
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