|
THE
ART OF IDENTIFYING A GOOD HABANO:
A good cigar is the result of a secret
blend of five types of leaves.
This blend gives the cigar the strength, flavor, and
aroma
that is later appreciated by the smoker. |
| |
Three
types of leaves make up the heart of the cigar: the volado,
the seco, and the ligero (these three are known as the blend),
in addition to the binder leaf and wrapper leaf, all of which
come from different parts of the plant and have very specific
functions.
For
example, the volado leaves have special burning qualities
and give strength to the cigar. The seco leaves create the
perfect balance between aroma and strength. Finally, the ligero
leaves impart strength to the cigar.
In
addition to the leaves that form part of the secret blend
of a good cigar, Habanos have a binder leaf that holds the
filler tobacco in place. The wrapper leaf is the final touch
that makes the cigar pleasing to the smoker’s eye.
Tobacco, like wine, improves with age. The various types of
tobacco have different aging periods. Volado leaves are aged
for one year, seco leaves are aged for up to two years, and
ligero leaves are aged for two years or more. The binder and
wrapper leaves are aged for between one and three years.

This
process often results in a limited edition tobacco.
The more aged the tobacco, the better its qualities.
........................................................................