8-9-8
A standard cigar box designed to hold eight cigars on top, nine in the middle, and eight on the bottom. In most cases, these are cello boxes.
Accordion (Bunch) Rolling
This bunching technique involves folding the outer sides of the filler leaves inward, one at a time, and placing the leaves on top of each other until the bunch is complete: then the leaves are rolled up together, with a binder, like a scroll. These "folds" allow more air passage through the cigar. Accordion rolling takes more skill and time to execute than Book Rolling, but is not as sophisticated as Entubado Rolling. Accordion Rolling can also be called "Arrugado", which means wrinkled in Spanish.
Acidic
Having the properties of an Acid, or having a pH less than 7. Acidic flavor is sour and pungent. Cigarette tobaccos are Acidic, so they can be inhaled easily, unlike Cigars and Pipe tobaccos.
Active Humidifier
An Active Humidifier is a machine designed to create humidity. Active Humidifiers generally have a fan blowing on [or over] water to produce a mist that is absorbed into the air. Active Humidifiers are common in walk-in humidors and large cabinets.
Affective Marketing
The process of promoting a product or service in a way that appeals to, or influences feeling and emotion in the target audience. (See The Marketing of Cigars)
African Block Meerschaum
From Tanzania, Africa, this type of meerschaum differs from Turkish meerschaum in that it is fired at high temperatures, then stained in shades of brown, black, and yellow.
Air-Curing
The curing process used for Cigar tobaccos (Dark Air-Cured) and also for Burley tobaccos. After being harvested, cigar leaves are hung in pairs in Curing Barns/Casas de Tabaco for approximately 50 days. During air curing, leaves lose their Chlorophyll and 85% of their humidity.
Alkaline
Having the properties of an Alkali, or having a pH greater than 7. An Alkaline flavor is bitter and/or dry and astringent. Cigar and Pipe tobaccos are highly Alkaline, they have high ammonia content, so they are not inhaled.
Alkaloid
Any in a class of naturally occurring organic bases containing nitrogen. Popular Alkaloids include Nicotine, Morphine, Ephedrine, and Quinine. Thousands of Alkaloids are known to exist in thousands of plants, but they are of interest mostly because of their physiological effects on humans and animals.
Amarillo
Spanish for "yellow", refers to this color classification of shade grown wrapper leaf.
Amatista Jar
A hermetically sealed jar containing 50 (or occasionally 25) cigars.
Amber [Pipe Stem]
Made from fossilized tree sap, Amber Stems are beautiful, yet fragile. They are hard and may feel like glass on the teeth. Amber is commonly found on Meerschaum and some higher end Briar Pipes.
American Blend (Cigarette)
A mixture of Virginia, Burley, and Oriental tobaccos. The amount of each type of tobacco in the blend varies by brand, but generally consists of 50% Virginia and 37% air cured burley, while oriental is the smallest percentage of the blend at around 13%. These cigarettes are typically cased and flavored during the curing process.
American Market Selection (AMS)
This terminology refers to Claro colored cigars.
Ammonia
An alkaline compound that exists naturally in the tobacco leaf. Much of the ammonia is expelled as a gas during the fermentation process.
Añejador
The professional in charge of tobacco and/or cigar Añejamiento. The Añejador curates the temperature, humidity, and aging standards for tobaccos and cigars.
Añejamiento
Simply put, this is the aging process; the very slow process of natural decomposition - which occurs at lower humidity and temperature levels than Fermentation. During Añejamiento, tobaccos slowly release ammonia, impurities, and develop.
Tobacco Añejamiento is for leaves and occurs after Fermentation; often this process goes on for years.
Cigar Añejamiento occurs after the cigars are rolled, while they are curated by your Tobacconist, in your personal humidor, all they way up until they are smoked.
Anilladora
Spanish term for the worker who applies the band to the cigar.
Anillo
Spanish for "ring", referring to cigar bands.
Anniversary
In the world of luxury tobacco, cigars, pipes, and tobaccos which are called Anniversary commemorate a date or event, such as the makers 25th Anniversary. It does not mean that the tobaccos or products are Vintage, or inherently special for any other reason.
Apple (Pipe)
A pipe with a round shaped bowl reminiscent of an apple.
Apprenticeship
A period of Service and Learning an art or a trade.
Aroma
A distinctive and pleasant or savory smell.
Aromatic (Tobacco)
Tobacco to which flavor, or "casing" is added as part of the manufacturing process. Some common casings are chocolate, vanilla, cherry, rum, etc. Aromatics are typically a sweeter smoke.
Artisan
A skilled worker who practices a trade or handicraft, often using traditional methods.
B & M
Short hand for "Brick & Mortar" retail Tobacconists.
Band (Cigar)
Synonym for Cigar Ring, a band may also be applied to the foot of the cigar.
Barrel
1) See Body. 2) The process of aging and curing tobacco leaves in barrels.
Belicoso
Traditionally this cigar shape was a small Pyramid between 5 to 5 1/2 inches long. Today the size can refer to Corona Gordas with a tapered head.
Betun
A concoction of water and tobacco residues used to wet down the tobacco before fermentation.
Billiard (Pipe)
A pipe shape with a slightly rounded bowl and straight stem.
Binder
The dense, strong leaf that is applied to the outside of the filler tobaccos. The Binder protects and forms the filler tobaccos in the molds and presses.
Biphasic
Having two disctinct, and often seemingly contradictory effects; in the case of nicotine consumption, the effects of both mental alertness and physical relaxation are biphasic.
Bird's Eye
See Burl Grain.
Bit
The part of the Stem that the lips and teeth rest upon; just below the Lip.
Black Cavendish
Pipe tobacco that is steamed, usually with sugars or flavoring in the water and pressed for an additional curing/fermentation period. Black Cavendish goes through more vigorous pressing than Natural Cavendish, yielding a darker color and richer flavor.
Blend
The combination of different types of tobacco to create a specific character and taste. In a cigar, this includes the filler, binder, and wrapper leaves.
Bloom
Synonym for Plume.
Blue Mold
This is an airborne fungus that can ravage an entire tobacco field/plantation in a matter of days. Also known as Peronospara Tabacina, Blue Mold flourishes in cool, cloudy, humid weather: the effects are distinguished by small round blemishes on the tobacco leaves.
Body
1) The middle part of the cigar, also referred to as the barrel. 2) The breadth and depth (spectrum) of flavor of a tobacco. Also referred to as richness and fullness, but not to be confused with the tobacco's strength, spice, or nicotine level. For example, Dominican tobaccos tend to have a lighter body than Central American tobaccos.
Bofeton
This is a flap of delicate paper used to cover cigars in a box; it lays under the lid and over the cigars.
Boite Nature
The classic cedar box in which many cigars are packaged.
Bonsack Machine
The first commercial Cigarette Injecting machine which ushered in the age of mass-produced Cigarettes. Invented by James Albert Bonsack and patented in 1880.
Book (Bunch) Rolling
An alternative to Entubado or Accordion rolling, Booking involves laying filler leaves flatly on top of one another and then folding them up, like a book or taco, to complete the bunch. This technique is simpler than Entubado and Accordion rolling and creates a less aerated cigar structure: placing the leaves directly on top of each other does not allow as much air to pass through each individual leaf in the the cigar. The advantage of Book Rolling is that it is quicker and more efficient from a manufacturing perspective. This is probably the most popular technique for making premium cigars today.
Boquilla
Spanish term which refers to the cigar foot.
BOTL
Acronym for "Brothers of the Leaf".
Bouquet
the Smell, or "Nose" of a cigar or pipe tobacco.
Boutique
This term refers to smaller cigar, pipe, and tobacco companies with limited production. In general, boutique companies are more artisan-oriented.
Bowl (Pipe)
The hollowed out part of a pipe that holds tobacco.
Box Press
Technique which squares off the sides of a traditional “cylinder” shaped cigar. The Cuban Box Press is a by-product of the tight box helping to shape very humid cigars into a square.
Briar
Also known as Bruyere in French, Briar is the name for wood that comes from the Burls found on the roots of the Heath Tree (Erica Arborea). Briar is widely considered the best and most popular material for Pipe making.
Bright Tobacco
A term used to describe the lighter Virginia tobacco varietal.
Bruyere
French word for Briar. See Briar definition.
Buey
The Spanish term for an Ox. Buey are castrated, domesticated bulls used to plow fields and pull carts. They are still commonly used in cigar tobacco agriculture.
Bulk
See Burro.
Bulldog
A pipe that has an indentation carved into the circumference towards the top of the bowl. Bulldog pipes usually have a diamond-shaped stem.
Bunch
The Filler tobaccos that are rolled up with the Binder leaf. Wrapper leaves are applied to the Bunch after the pressing.
Bundle
The method of packaging cigars without a box, usually in packs of 25 or 50. Bundles are typically more economical cigars, and often do not have bands. Typically, cigar makers release their "seconds" in Bundles.
Burl
A hardened wood growth found on trees. Burl, or "Bird's Eye", can also refer to the tight, circular grain pattern that is seen on the wood that comes from Burls on trees.
Burl Grain
A grain pattern found on Smooth Finish Briar pipes, that has tight, swirling patterns: also referred to as "Bird's Eye".
Burlap
The strong breathable material used to wrap filler and binder leaves for tobacco anejamiento.
Burley
Light, air-cured tobacco that has a rich, nutty taste. Its slow, even burning qualities make it popular with pipe smokers.
Burros
In the context of the 2 Stage Fermenation model that TU teaches, Burros are the 4 to 6 foot tall piles of tobacco which constitute the most intense Fermentation period. Unraveling and re-piling occurs at critical temperature points so the tobacco will not “burn out”. In other countries, the term Burro can refer to any Fermentation pile.
Butane
A natural gas made from petroleum, that is flavorless and ideal for torch lighters and lighting luxury tobacco products.
Caballeria
Unit of area used to measure land in Cuba, equivalent to 33.2 acres.
Cabinet Selection
Cigars packaged in cedar boxes, in lieu of paper wrapped boxes. These boxes provide direct contact with the cedar and can be preferable for long term aging.
Cake (Pipe)
The Carbon that develops along the inner wall of the Pipe Chamber and acts as protection and insulation for the Bowl; as well as promoting an even smoking experience. Approximately 1/16" of Char is considered ideal for a Pipe.
Calabash (Pipe)
Originally, Calabash pipes were made from African gourds. The gourds are trained by hand, while they grow, to achieve the desired pipe shape: bent into an "S"-like form. The natural shape of the gourd, fatter at one end - like a bowling pin, provides a cool smoking instrument. Because the gourd cannot sustain extreme heat, Calabash pipes generally have a bowl insert for the tobacco to be placed in: usually ceramic, briar, or meerschaum. Today, the term "Calabash" refers to any pipe in the classic "Gourd" "S"-like shape.
Calumet (Pipe)
A decorated and functional pipe made by the Indians of North America, also known as the "Peace Pipe".
Cameroon
Common name for tobacco grown in Central Africa, these plants are descended from Sumatran seed. Known for their rich flavors and aromas, they are often used as wrapper leaves.
Candela
Also known as Double Claro, these leaves are Flue-Cured (or heat cured) to fix the cholorphyll levels in the leaf and produce the desired Green color.
Canoe (ing)
The uneven, one-sided burn of a cigar. This is caused by sub-standard rolling, improperly placed filler, uneven humidity, or poorly fermented raw materials.
Cap
The circular piece of Wrapper leaf that finishes the head of a cigar.
Capa
Spanish word for cigar Wrapper leaf.
Capadura
Spanish term for the second harvest/priming in the tobacco growing season.
Capero No. 1
A newer Cuban hybrid [dark tobacco] varietal which started to be grown widely around 2007. Capero No. 1 is a cross between Habanos 2000 + Corojo '99 + Criollo '98. It produces an extra 2 to 3 leaves over other hybrids and has very large leaves. Capero No. 1 has been genetically engineered to produce no flowers and therefore no seeds: this will help Cuba maintain control over the plants genetics and where it is grown.
Capote
Spanish word for cigar Binder leaf. Also refers to section of Criollo plant used for Fillers and Binders.
Carbonization
This is the process by which Char changes to Carbon and forms Cake on the inside of the tobacco bowl chamber. This Carbonized [Cake] material helps protect the Briar from the inside out, keeps the bowl cool, and promotes an even smoking experience.
Carnauba
A wax derived from the palm of the Carnauba tree. This wax melts at high temperatures and is used to give pipes their final polish.
Carotene
A naturally occuring organic compound found in some plants. When cigar tobacco is air-cured the chlorophyll is broken down and the new yellow and orange-ish pigments from the Carotene are exposed.
Carved [Finish]
A Carved Finish is sculpted or shaped by hand. See Freehand definition for Carved Pipe.
Casa de Tabaco
Cuban term for Curing Barn which has open sides facing East and West for optimal air circulation. Tobacco is placed high up in the Casa de Tabaco after picking/priming to dry out and lose its Chlorophyll.
Casing
A top-coat of liquid flavoring that is added to Pipe Tobaccos (usually Aromatic). Flavorings can include Honey, Liqueurs, Extracts, etc...
Casquillo
The cylindrical instrument used to cut the round tobacco leaf that is the cigar Cap.
Catador
Spanish for "taster", Catadores ensure quality control by tasting batches of finished cigars.
CCT
Certified Consumer Tobacconist, as defined and accredited by Tobacconist University.
Cedar, Spanish
Also known as Cedrela odorata, Spanish Cedar is neither Spanish nor a Cedar; it is a member of the Meliaceae, or Mahogany family. It is commonly used for cigar boxes and cigar aging because it is naturally pest resistant, hygroscopic, and naturally abundant in Central America and the Caribbean.
Cedro
The Spanish word for Spanish Cedar (see Cedar, Spanish).
Cello Box
A cigar box with rounded sides.
Cellophane
A thin, transparent film made from regenerated cellulose, often used in the packaging of cigars.
Cellulose
An insoluble substance derived from plant glucose, used as a binder in Homogenized Tobacco Leaf.
Centro Fino
The third level of leaves from the top of the corojo plant, between the centro gordo and centro ligero leaves.
Centro Gordo
The second level of leaves from the top of the corojo plant, just below the top corona leaves.
Centro Ligero
The leaves on the third level from the bottom of the corojo plant, between the centro fino and uno y medio leaves. Not to be confused with the criollo plant, where the term Ligero refers to the top leaves, which are exposed to the most sun.
Cepo
Instrument used to measure the proper ring gauge of a finished cigar. This is usually a piece of wood with the appropriate size whole cut into it: the cigar is passed through to confirm it is the proper diameter.
Chamber
A Chamber is the inside part of the bowl where the tobacco is placed for smoking. Depending on the Pipe, Chambers vary in size, depth, and finish.
Char
The partially scorched, pre-ash remnants of tobacco.
Chaveta
Flat metal tool shaped like a half moon, and used to cut tobacco leaves by Torcedores while rolling.
Cheroot
One of the oldest known cigar shapes, from the Tamil "curuttu", literally meaning "roll". This term usually refers to a mild and inexpensive cigar that tapers gradually from foot to head and is cut at both ends. Also referred to as a "stogie".
Cherry Pickers
This term refers to consumers that scour retail Tobacconists looking for HTF products.
Chinchal
Popular during the 1800s, this term referred to small cigar factories in Cuba which manufactured cigars for domestic use.
Chisel
Figurado cigar with a round foot and a flattened head.
Chromolithography
The use of more than one color and stone (up to 25) in Lithography.
CHT
This stands for Certified Honorary Tobacconist as defined by Tobacconist University. A CHT is a distinguished member of the Luxury Tobacco industry who has very deep knowledge in a specific field: such as Cigar or Pipe making. CHTs have not taken the Certification Exam, but do subscribe to the Code of Ethics & Standards. They have received their honorary Certification because their experience and wisdom make them a vital contributor to the knowledge base and oral traditions of our industry.
Churchill
A large cigar, traditionally 7 x 47.
Churchwarden (Pipe)
A pipe shape with a long, curved stem, also known as a "Yard of Clay." Churchwardens were originally made of clay, and were enormously popular in Europe until the introduction of the Briar Pipe. Churchwardens tend to produce a cooler smoke due to the length the smoke has to travel from bowl to mouthpiece.
Cigar
A cylinder of tobacco leaves rolled together; beginning in the center with filler tobaccos, bound with a binder tobacco leaf, and sheathed with a wrapper tobacco leaf. A Premium Cigar is made from only long leaf tobacco and is made exclusively by hand. *The only exception might be "premium" cigars which are machine bunched, but hand wrapped.
Cigar Rolling Table
Cigar Rolling Tables are distinguished by a partial top shelf (approx: 40" high) over the standard table top (approx: 30" high). The partial top shelf creates extra space on top for placing finished cigars, while the space underneath hides the goma, guillotina, water, leaves, and other incidentals. (How to build a Cigar Rolling Table)
Cigarette
Finely shredded tobacco which is wrapped in paper, smoked, and inhaled for consumption.
Cigarillo
A small cigar, composed of Short Filler tobacco, and made by machine. Cigarillos are often Dry Cured, in the European tradition. Cigarillos are not Premium Cigars since they are not made from Long Filler or by hand.
Claro
A cigar wrapper leaf which is pale green to light brown in color. Growing the leaf under shade helps keep the color light.
Clay (Pipe)
A pipe made from hardened clay popularized by Sir Walter Raleigh in the early 1600's, characterized by a small bowl and long stem.
Clear Havana
Cigar made with Cuban tobacco in the United States, before the Cuban embargo.
Cloud-Grown
The term used to describe cigar tobacco grown in Ecuador which is naturally shaded by consistent cloud cover. The naturally diffused light diminishes vein size, yields thinner leaves with a very consistent color, and more subtle taste/aroma.
CMT
Certified Master Tobacconist, as defined and accredited by Tobacconist University. CMT is also the Professional Designation for Certified Master Tobacconists.
Cohiba
The cigar brand created for Fidel Castro in 1966, the name "Cohiba" is the Carribean Island peoples' native term for tobacco.
Color [Wrapper Leaf]
General Cuban classifications of Wrapper colors from lightest to darkest: Clarissimo, Double Claro, Claro, Colorado Claro, Colorado, Colorado Maduro, Maduro, Oscuro.
Condensation Irrigation
Unique moisture produced [in the form of dew] in valleys during early morning hours and at night.
Corncob (Pipe)
A traditional American pipe, the corncob's bowl is made from a dried and hollowed out cob, with a reed or hollowed out piece of wood inserted for the stem and mouthpiece.
Corojo
Cuban tobacco plant (seed varietal) grown under cheesecloth [to redirect harsh sunlight] and used for cigar Wrappers. From top to bottom leaf classifications: Coronas, Centro Gordo, Centro Fino, Centro Ligero, Uno Y Medio, and Libre de Pie.
Corona
The top leaves of the Corojo plant. Also a term used in the cigar world to describe the approximate cigar size of 5 ½ “ x 44rg.
Corona Gorda
A modern favorite cigar shape measuring approximately 6 x 50.
Cosecha
Spanish term for Harvesting.
Craftsman
A skilled worker who practices a trade or handicraft.
Criollo
Cuban tobacco plant (seed varietal) grown under direct sunlight and used for Fillers and Binder. Produces 6 to 7 pairs of leaves: Ligero, Seco, Volado, (all fillers) and Capotes (Binders).
CRT
Certified Retail Tobacconist, as defined and accredited by Tobacconist University. CRT is also the Professional Designation for Certified Retail Tobacconists.
CST
Certified Salesforce Tobacconist, as defined and accredited by Tobacconist University. CST is also the Professional Designation for Certified Salesforce Tobacconists.
Cuban Seed
This term refers to seeds that originate from Cuba, but are typically grown in other countries.
Cubatabaco
Cuban empresa (organization) in charge of Tobacco agriculture, processing, and production.
Cube Cut
Pipe Tobacco which is cut or shred into small, square-like pieces: these are easily blended and smoked. Burley Tobaccos are the most common Cube Cut.
Cujes
Long wooden lathes used to hold up pairs of tobacco leaves during the Air Curing in the Casas de Tabaco.
Culebra
Spanish word for “Snake” which describes the braiding of three loosely filled, thin cigars which are held together by string. The practice of braiding cigars together came out of Cuba when factory owners needed a way to control the rollers’ cigar smoking. Culebras were distributed as the day’s ration of cigars. As the rollers smoked the Culebras, the squirmy look of the cigar signaled the factory managers that the rollers were not smoking the premium inventory.
Curing
While Curing dries out the raw tobacco, it is more accurately described as the process of altering the chemical and organic properties of the leaves: converting starch to sugar, oxidizing sugar, losing chlorophyll, moisture etc... Freshly picked Tobacco leaves contain as much as 85% of their weight in moisture. When the moisture is removed, the chemical and organic changes are halted. Different Curing methods are used for different types of raw tobacco: Air, Fire, Flue, Sun. See Dry Cured Cigars for information on the Curing of finished cigars.
Cut Filler
See Short Filler.
Default Position
As in the theater, every actor and prop has a 'mark', a physical location where they must be at any given time. A store should look the same at opening and closing every day. Sales, customers, recieving inventory, and other events can disrupt the look of a store. Setting "Default Positions", a specific location for fixtures, products, ashtrays, etc., can help maintain an orderly and coherent merchandising strategy.
Dehumidification
After the 2nd Fermentation, the Filler and Binder Gavillas are laid on racks in climate controlled Dehumidification rooms for several days to let the leaf recuperate and dry out. Dehumidification also occurs after the cigars have been rolled and placed in Marrying rooms.
Desbotonar
Another form of Pruning, this is the process of removing flower buds (before they bloom) from the tobacco plants. This occurs at least one week before harvesting begins: it keeps pollenation from occuring and keeps the plants from expending energy and resources on the flowers.
Deshijar
Similar to Pruning (see Podar), this process occurs in the fields on maturing plants when the smaller, non-viable leaves are removed to allow nutrients to flow to the larger leaves.
Despalillar
The Spanish term for Stemming. Wrappers have the entire stem removed, yielding two separate parts of the leaf to wrap cigars. Filler leaves have only half of the stem removed from the bottom (creating a “Pata de Rana” or “Frogs Legs” shape).
Diademas
A cigar approximately 8 inches long which is tapered at both ends, like a large Perfecto.
Dog Rocket
A slang term for an unpalatable cigar.
Double Claro
Also known as Candela, these leaves are Flue-Cured (or heat cured) to fix the cholorphyll levels in the leaf and produce the desired Green color.
Double Corona
A cigar which is larger than a Churchill: approximately 7 to 8 inches long with a ring gauge of 49 or bigger.
Draw
The term used to describe how easily a cigar allows air to pass through it.
Dry Cured Cigars
These cigars are slowly baked in an oven, after they are manufactured. They require only 12-15% relative humidity for preservation; this is approximately the same as indoor humidity. Dry Cured Cigars are usually machine-made with Sumatran, Central African, and/or Brazilian tobaccos. They are typically manufactured where they are most popular, in Europe.
Dublin (Pipe)
A pipe with a half-oval shaped bowl, and a bent or straight stem.
Ebonite
A brand name for a hard rubber, originally developed to mimic ebony wood, used to make pipe stems.
Ebouchon
The Briar Burl, in its most raw post-harvest state. Ebouchons are purchased by Pipe makers, dried and stored untill they are ready to begin carving the Pipe from it.
Enbetunando
The wetting down of tobacco with a mixture of water and tobacco residues. This Mojo helps accelerate the fermentation process.
Encallado
The method of growing cigar tobacco where tents/cloths are erected around the perimeter of the crop, to protect it from the wind.
English Blend
Cigarette blend consisting almost entirely of flue-cured tobacco, also referred to as Virginia. English blend cigarettes tend to have a fuller flavor than American blends.
English Market Selection (EMS)
This terminology refers to cigars which are a light to medium brown.
Enpuňo
This is the Spanish term for Bunch. Puňo also means "fist", which is how/where the Bunch is held by the roller.
Entubado Rolling (Entubar)
A technical rolling format which involves rolling each Filler leaf into itself, almost like a small scroll. Each individually "scrolled" leaf is then placed together to form the bunch. This skillful rolling technique creates a more firmly packed and balanced cigar which provides an excellent draw. Entubado Rolling is the most difficult and complex bunching method and is therefore rarely employed in large scale manufacturing.
Escaparte
The Spanish word for the aging cabinet or room where cigars are stored and married after rolling: it can also be known as an anejamiento room.
Escogida
Cuban term for “the selection”. In Cuban farming villages, the Escogida is a ritual and festival held while the tobacco leaf crop is graded and selected by factory representatives. Escogida can also refer to the color classification system for leaves and the room where this occurs.
Evaporation Humidification
This type of Humidifier works because of the evaporative qualities of water. Typically the surface area of the Humidifier is in proportion to the size of the box and water is released at a rate which creates 70 to 73% humidity. Some Evaporation Humidifiers use a fan to control the evaporation rate.
Exhausting
Term for the expulsion of heat and ammonia from the tobacco leaf during fermentation.
Fabrica
Cuban term for cigar factory.
Fermentation
Also known as "Sweating" or "Trabajando", it is the natural, vigorous, highly controlled process that accounts for the majority of flavor + aroma development and distinction in cigar tobaccos. Fermentation occurs when moisture, heat, oxygen, and pressure levels reach a critical synergy: the result is an expulsion of ammonia and other unpalatable organic components of the leaf. The temperatures in Fermentation piles are closely monitored: the piles are deconstructed and re-configured before they get too hot. Tobacco can easily be depleted of flavor + aroma characteristics if over Fermented. Under Fermented tobacco will be noxious, unrefined, and "green" (an industry term with no relation to the leaf color).
Ferrule (Pipe)
Usually a metal or other potentially decorative ring used to reinforce the wood around the end of the Shank.
Figurado
Any cigar which is not a consistent cylindrical shape. For example: Torpedo, Pyramid, Perfecto.
Filete
These are narrow strips of paper used to seal the edges/border of cigar boxes.
Fill (Pipe)
Pits or imperfections in Briar can be "Filled" in with wood putty or using comparable techniques. Typically, a Fill is visible to the human eye because it will not look like the surrounding Briar. While Fills are common on many Pipes, A High Grade Briar Pipe should be rejected or downgraded if Fill is used.
Filler
The combination of distinct tobacco leaves which constitute the “guts” of the cigar. Filler must be expertly bunched to make a well constructed cigar that will draw and burn in balance. The Cuban term for Filler is Tripa.
Finca
Spanish word for a farm.
Finish
A Tasting term which describes the lingering flavors left behind on the smokers palate.
Fire-Curing
The curing process which uses small fires in an enclosed space to flavor tobaccos. Fire-Curing involves using aromatic woods as fuel, which imparts flavor into the tobaccos. Fire-Curing can be done after a Sun-Curing, as is the case with Latakia tobaccos.
Flag
During cigar wrapping, a small piece of the leaf is expertly trimmed to help close the Head.
Flake Cut
Pipe Tobacco which has been Pressed into blocks and then sliced into thin, broad, flat flakes: should be Rubbed Out for smoking.
Flame Grain
A grain pattern found on Smooth Finish Briar pipes, that has narrowing or widening streaks that mimick a flame.
Flat Top
A cigar box designed to hold 25 cigars with 12 on the bottom and 13 on top. Also known as a 13-topper.
Flavor
The combination of taste and aroma.
Flue-Curing
The Curing process which applies high levels of heat, in an enclosed space, to tobaccos. The heat dries out the leaves and fixes the sugar content of the tobacco. This technique is most commonly used on Virginia varietals which have naturally high sugar levels.
Foot
The typically flat and open end of a cigar that gets lit.
Fortaleza
The Spanish term for cigar strength.
Freehand
Also known as Sculpted, Freestyle, or Carved Pipes, a Freehand is not a basic or classic shape. Freehand Pipes are shaped by hand to elicit the best features of the Briar and Grain.
Fuma
The Spanish name given to a quality control committee which smokes/tests cigars.
Fumo
The traditional Cuban term for a cigar with an unfinished “shaggy” Foot and a twisted Head/Cap.
Galera
Spanish for "galley", the workroom where cigars are hand rolled.
Gavilla
Also known as a "Hand", these are bunches of tobacco leaves held together by string, which help organize the tobacco for fermentation and anejamiento.
German Blend (Cigarette)
Similar to American blend, but more Oriental tobacco is used. These cigarettes have a milder taste since the tobacco is not as heavily cased and flavored as American cigarettes.
Goma
The Spanish word for Gum, also known as Vegetable Gum. This natural adhesive is used to seal the cigar leaves and the Wrapper at the head.
Grain Disruption
A change in Grain from Straight/Flame/Burl or No Grain (Bald Spot) to another pattern. Grain Disruptions are common on many extraordinary pipes, but a Briar Pipe with only one Grain Pattern, and no Disruption, is truly rare and spectacular.
