Anatomy of a Hand-Made Cigar

What are cigars? For anyone who has tried them, they evoke different sensations. They are made to be enjoyed, they are relaxation, they awaken the senses, they are a symbol of class and style. There are many cigars, differing in shape, size, colour, aromas, strength, and many other criteria, but they all share the same anatomy.

The Different Parts of a Cigar

• HEAD – The head of the cigar, the closed upper end that touches the lips; this is where the cut is made.
• BODY – The body is the middle section of the cigar.
• FOOT – The foot is the lower end, where the cigar is lit.

The types of tobacco are determined by the plant variety, the growing region, the position of the leaf, the cultivation conditions, the fermentation method, and its functional role in the cigar.

The Different Parts of the Tobacco Plant

The tobacco plant contains three types of leaves at different levels, each with its own characteristics: Volado, Seco, and Ligero.

Volado Tobacco

Volado leaves grow at the base of the plant with minimal sun exposure. They are described as “poor in flavours and aromas,” thin and light, with excellent burning qualities. These are the leaves that are cut first during harvesting.

Seco Tobacco

Seco occupies the middle part of the plant, denser than Volado, offering a “mild flavour, rich in aromas.” This zone includes the subtypes: Centro Fino (fine leaves with limited strength), Centro Ligero (the majority of Seco leaves), and Uno y Medio (the first Seco layer, often containing Capote leaves).

Ligero Tobacco

The leaves at the top of the plant, heavily exposed to the sun, characterised as “thick and heavy tobacco with an exceptionally powerful flavour and strength.” Subtypes: Medio Tiempo (three to four thick, small top leaves — rarely used), Corona (the uppermost part of the Ligero), and Centro Gordo/Centro Alto (thick, aromatic base leaves). Ligero burns with difficulty and requires smaller proportions; it offers less aroma than Seco, which is why combining them works harmoniously.

The Use of Tobacco Types in the Cigar

Three groups of tobacco perform different functions in the cigar: the wrapper, the binder, and the filler.

Wrapper – both the most expensive and the most demanding leaf. Its outward appearance matters just as much as its qualities. Quality wrappers are thin, delicate leaves with few visible veins and a smooth texture. Ligero cannot be used because of its thickness; Seco is usually chosen. Volado is excluded due to its lack of the desired sheen.

Binder – holds the contents together securely, providing a suitable surface for the wrapper. Seco and Volado (Capote) leaves perform this role — a medium-thin but sturdy tobacco with little oil, with excellent consistency and easy burning.

Filler – makes up the largest part of the tobacco in the cigar and requires a well-balanced selection. The strongest Ligero leaves sit at the centre of the filler, burning slowly and intensifying the experience. Seco enriches the aromas; Volado ensures even burning.

There are two types of filler: “long filler” and “short filler”. Leaf length is often an indicator of quality; hand-made cigars use only long filler. Machine-made cigars use short filler — small pieces of tobacco, sometimes chemically treated. This is why hand-made cigars offer superior quality.

Coming next: Cigar Wrapper – everything about the cigar’s wrapper leaf.