Welcome to Bespoke Unit’s Cigar Glossary.
Below you will find more than 100+ cigar terms including industry lingo and technical terminology, as well as in-depth cigar resources for further reading.
How To Use The Cigar Glossary
Find A Term: Click on any letter in the “Alphabet Key” below to jump to a list of cigar terms that begin with that particular letter.
Learn A New Term: You may come across a new word or phrase while reading a definition. Click on any word or phrase that is linked for a full definition.
Explore Cigar Topics: Many terms include a “Learn More” section after the definition with a link to an in-depth resource or guide on that topic.
Anything Missing? If you can’t find the word you’re after, just leave a comment below and we’ll get back to you!
A
Accordion
A more complex technique of rolling cigars by folding the leaves like an accordion known also as the Entubar method in Cuba.
Ageing Room
A specific location in a cigar factory where rolled cigars are aged properly.
Amatista
Rarely seen today, amatistas are sealed glass jars that contain 25 to 50 cigars.
American Market Selection
Originally an importer of Cuban cigars until the embargo, AMS is often used as a synonym for Candela or Double Claro cigar wrappers.
Ammonia
A byproduct from tobacco fermentation. In large quantities the chemical is undesirable as it taints the flavour with an overwhelming unpleasant and bitter taste.
Aroma
A term often used to describe the specific smells or even tastes in a cigar.
B
Bale
An unstandardised unit of measurement for fermented tobacco.
Band
A paper ring that wraps around the cigar. They often feature the brand and are largely decorative. However, it has been suggested that they were introduced to hold the cigar together or even to prevent nicotine stains when holding the cigar.
Learn More: Parts Of A Cigar [Diagram]
Banda
Spanish for “Binder”.
Belicoso
A specific Figurado vitola with a short taper.
Binder
A tough and elastic tobacco leaf that holds the filler tobacco in place.
Learn More: Parts Of A Cigar [Binder]
Blending
The process of mixing various types of tobacco leaves in order to create a distinctive taste.
Bloom
A common misspelling of Plume.
Booking
A method of rolling cigars where the leaves are laid one on top of another.
Bouquet
The odor produced by a collection of aromas.
Box Pressed Cigars
These are cigars that are tightly packed into a box, which causes them to develop a square shape.
Brother Of The Leaf (BOTL)
Internet slang for a cigar enthusiast often employed in forums and social networks.
Bundle
An alternative to wooden boxes where cigars are distributed in cellophane wrapping in order to reduce costs.
C
Cameroon
A type of tobacco grown in West Africa with a renowned dark colour and toothy flavour.
Candela
A green-coloured cigar wrapper produced by quick fermentation and heat-curing.
Learn More: Cigar Wrappers [Candela]
Canoeing
A faulty cigar where one side burns faster than the other. The resulting shape resembles a canoe.
Cap
A small piece of wrapper leaf stuck over the cigar’s head to secure it, which is clipped before smoking.
Capote
Spanish for Binder sometimes referred to as the Capa.
Cedar
An aromatic wood from Spain or Asia often used for making and lining cigar boxes due to its ability to absorb moisture.
Cedar Spill
A strip of cedar that is formally used for lighting a cigar.
Cervantes
See Lonsdale.
Cheesecloth
Used to cover fields of tobacco in order to produce shade-grown wrapper leaf such as Connecticut.
Cheroot
A cheaply-made cigar.
Churchill
A cigar vitola that is around 7 inches long named after the famous British Prime Minister.
Learn More: Cigar Shapes & Sizes [Churchill]
Cigarillo
A short and thin machine-made cigar.
Claro
A particularly pale cigar wrapper often grown in the shade.
Learn More: Cigar Wrapper Colours [Claro]
Coffin
A small wooden box made to carry a single cigar.
Colorado
A medium-brown coloured cigar, which is among the most common.
Learn More: Cigar Wrapper Colours [Colorado]
Connecticut
The Connecticut River Valley is a tobacco growing region in Northeastern USA famed for its shade-grown broadleaf and pale, aromatic wrappers.
Corojo
A Cuban seed mostly made famous by the Camacho brand.
Corona
The most classic cigar vitola that is just over 5 inches long.
Learn More: Cigar Sizes [Corona]
Corona Gorda
See Toro.
Criollo
A native Cuban seed that is often shade-grown to produce light and aromatic wrappers.
Culebra
Three Panatela cigars braided together, which is named after the Spanish word for “Snake”.
Learn More: Cigar Shapes [Culebra]
Curing
A process that takes place directly after cultivation where leaves are hung in a barn to remove moisture before fermentation. Depending on the time allocated, the leaves will change colour from greens and yellow to darker hues of brown.
Cutter
A tool for removing a cigar cap.
Learn More: What Should You Use To Cut A Cigar?
D
Diadema(s)
A very large Perfecto-shaped type of Figurado cigar.
Learn More: Cigar Shapes [Diadema]
Double Claro
See Candela.
Double Corona
A very large cigar vitola also known as the Prominente in Cuba. Favoured by Winston Churchill, they are larger than Coronas but not twice as much.
Learn More: Cigar Sizes [Double Corona]
Draw
The process of sucking smoke through a lit cigar. The draw can vary in handmade cigars and can risk being too tight or too loose, which affects the burning temperature.
Dry Draw
A process where the air is sucked through an unlit cigar after cutting in order to taste its aromas.
E
English Market Selection
A medium-brown coloured cigar also known as the Colorado Claro. The term EMS is often employed when the cigar inventory had been vetted by British distributors, Hunters & Frankau.
Learn More: Cigar Wrapper Colours [Colorado Claro]
F
Fermentation
After curing, tobacco is moistened and left under pressure and heat. This process removes ammonia from tobacco and causes chemical changes that reveal its flavours and aromas.
Figurado
Any cigar shape or vitola that isn’t a straight Parejo such as a Torpedo or Perfecto.
Filler
The tobacco leaves inside a cigar that produces the smoke and majority of the cigar’s flavours.
Flag Leaf
Wrapper leaf that is used for capping cigars. A small piece of flag leaf should be kept on a cigar when cutting to prevent it from unraveling during the smoke.
Foot
The lighting end of a cigar.
G
Gordo
Also known as the Double Toro, Gordos are large and thick cigars whose name means “Fat” in Spanish.
Learn More: Cigar Sizes [Gordo]
Gordito
Diminutive of “Gordo”, Gorditos are short and thick cigars with a 60 ring gauge.
Learn More: Cigar Sizes [Gordito]
Gran Corona
One of the largest cigar sizes also known as the “Presidente” in Cuba. They come in over a whopping 9 inches with around a 47 ring gauge.
Guillotine
A flat-bladed cigar cutter with a hole for inserting the cap. It’s the most common cutter style and can come with either one or two blades.
Learn More: Types Of Cigar Cutters [Guillotine]
H
Habano
A term used to signify a cigar made solely from Cuban tobacco.
Habanos S.A.
The Cuban state-owned distributor of their native cigars.
Head
The end of the cigar that’s put in the mouth. It is often capped and requires clipping before doing so.
Learn More: Parts Of A Cigar [Diagram]
Hecho A Mano
Spanish for “made by hand” often labelled on hand-rolled cigars.
Homogenised Tobacco
Scraps of tobacco that have been bound together into a sheet using cellulose.
Honduras
The Republic of Honduras is among the leading so-called “New World” cigar-growing nations. It shares its borders with Nicaragua, which produces comparable quality cigars.
Humidor
A container or entire room dedicated to preserving cigars in ideal conditions.
Hygrometer
A device that detects the level of humidity, which is important when storing cigars.
J
Jalapa
A major Nicaraguan tobacco-growing region renowned for its red clay soil and refined leaves as a result.
Jamastran
A South-Honduran tobacco-growing valley near Danlí that is close to the Nicaraguan border.
K
Any suggestions or requests for words starting with this letter? Leave a comment below!
L
La Casa del Habano
A cigar store that is part-owned by Habanos S.A. and an officially-recognised producer.
Lance
A type of cigar cutter, which pierces the cap rather than cutting a hole.
Lancero
A cigar size that is similar to a Panatela but somewhat longer.
Learn More: Cigar Sizes [Lancero]
Lector
Someone who would read to the other cigar rollers in the factory. Although a dying practice, it can still be found in some locations.
Ligero
The strongest basic priming from a tobacco plant, which is found at the highest point.
Long Filler
Filler tobacco made from whole leaves or larger pieces that run through its entire length. The presence of long filler often suggests that the cigar was handmade.
Lonsdale
Also known as the Cervantes in Cuba, the Lonsdale was named after an English lord. It is slightly longer and thicker than a Panatela.
Learn More: Cigar Sizes [Lonsdale]
M
Machine-Made
When a cigar is referred to as “machine-made” it means that it was rolled using a device rather than by hand.
Maduro
One of the most famous wrapper hues that is obtained by a long fermentation and ageing process to produce a very dark and flavoursome leaf.
Medio Tiempo
The smallest and most potent leaves found at the top of the tobacco plant’s Ligero.
Learn More: Parts Of A Tobacco Plant [Diagram]
Mould
When a cigar is stored in an environment that’s too humid, it will develop mould, which will ruin the tobacco.
Mousehole Burn
Small burning holes that appear under the cigar’s ember along the wrapper.
N
New World
Any country that produces cigar tobacco outside of Cuba. This can include well-known countries like the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Nicaragua, as well as Cameroon, Ecuador, and Sumatra.
Nicaragua
Famed for its potent tobacco in Estelí, Nicaragua is a New-World cigar country in Central America similar to its neighbouring Honduras.
O
Oils
A well-cured and aged cigar stored in prime conditions will feature a glistening sheen on the wrapper. These natural oils produce the best flavours and is a highly-desirable trait.
Old World
An alternative term for Cuba, which implies it being the spiritual home of tobacco. This is somewhat similar to when the expression is used for wine when referring to Europe.
Oscuro
A dark wrapper shade that is a step above Maduro. Almost black in appearance, it’s a potent and rare wrapper.
P
Panatela
A long and thin vitola that was often considered a cigar ideal for women. Although its popularity waned, it has experienced a resurgence of late.
Learn More: Cigar Sizes [Panatela]
Parejo
The most classic cigar shape featuring a straight side and slightly rounded cap. Anything that differs from this design is referred to as a Figurado.
Perfecto
A type of Figurado vitola that features a bulge in the centre and is pointed on each end.
Petit Corona
One of the smallest cigar vitolas that is around 5 inches long. For those seeking a more affordable yet premium cigar, it’s an ideal option.
Pirámede
The Spanish term for a “pyramid” cigar. This is a type of Figurado that tapers all the way down the body.
Learn More: Types of Figurado Cigars [Pirámede]
Plugged
A term used to describe when a cigar’s draw is too tight to smoke, a plugged cigar is an infuriating experience. This is usually produced by a knot of tightly-packed tobacco that blocks passage of air or sometimes over-humidification.
Squeezing or massaging the cigar as well as using a lance can occasionally help alleviate the problem.
Plume
Plume is a supposedly desirable trait allegedly caused by tobacco oils crystallising on the surface of a cigar during its ageing process. It is often assumed that plume is different from mould. However, it’s a hotly-debated subject. You can learn about our thoughts in the link below.
Learn More: What Is Cigar Plume?
Priming
A tobacco plant features several layers that are cultivated one after another from the bottom upwards. These are known as “primings”.
Prominente
See Double Corona.
Propylene Glycol
A special liquid used as an alternative to water for maintaining the humidity in a humidor.
Punch
A type of cutter that makes a small hole in the cigar’s head by twisting a cigar blade into the cap.
Puro
A Spanish term used to suggest a cigar has only been made using the tobacco of a single country. For example, all Cuban cigars are traditionally Puros.
Pyramid
See Pirámede.
Q
Quisqueya
A type of curing barn used in the Dominican Republic with open walls that expose the contents to the elements.
R
Ring Gauge
A cigar’s diameter measured by 64ths of an inch or millimetres.
Learn More: How Are Cigars Measured?
Robusto
Now perceived as the most popular cigar size, a Robusto is typically a 5×50 cigar that provides a short but full smoke.
Rolling
The art of assembling a cigar by bunching and rolling the tobacco leaves together.
Runners
An unpleasant phenomenon where small parts of the wrapper burn unevenly during smoking.
S
Salomon
A Perfecto-shaped cigar that is particularly large.
Learn More: Cigar Sizes [Salomon]
Sand Leaf
Small leaves found at the base of the tobacco plant. They’re rarely used and often discarded to improve growth.
Scissors
Cigar scissors are a particular type of cutter that although hard to master, offer more precision than a typical guillotine.
Learn More: Types Of Cigar Cutters [Scissors]
Seco
The layer of leaves just above the Volado on the tobacco plant. They’re thin and large with little strength but with some intoxicating aromas.
Learn More: Parts Of A Tobacco Plant [Seco]
Shade Grown
Some tobacco leaves are grown under cheesecloth tents, which makes them thinner and less potent in flavour. Connecticut shade is one of the most famous examples of this technique.
Short Filler
This consists of small pieces of tobacco used to fill a machine-made cigar.
Shoulder
The curved area on a cigar’s head where the wrapper ends and the cap starts.
Sister Of The Leaf [SOTL]
The feminine variant of Brother Of The Leaf [BOTL] that’s growing in popularity and employed on social networks and forums.
Spill
Small strips of cedar used to light a cigar, which can be scavenged from boxes. It is said that cedar spills offer a more aromatic and purer cigar experience.
Splitting Ash
An annoying occurrence when the cigar’s ash begins to split on the stack.
Stack
Ash that remains at the end of the cigar when burning rather than falling off. A stack is a desirable aspect that improve the smoking temperature and indicates a quality-made cigar.
Stacking
The act of trying to keep a long ash, or “stack,” on your cigar for as long as possible. Some smokers will compete by trying to smoke an entire cigar without losing any ash.
Sumatra
A variety of “black tobacco” often used for cigar wrappers, Sumatra leaf is known for delivering punchy and spicy flavours. This Indonesean tobacco variety has been cultivated in Ecuador since the 1950s where it is favoured by manufacturers for producing a greater level of complexity and flavour.
Sun Grown
Unlike shade-grown, sun-grown tobacco consists of leaves exposed to direct sunlight. They’re often somewhat thicker with pronounced veins, which also provides a more potent flavour.
T
Tapado
The Spanish name given to cheesecloth tents for growing tobacco in the shade.
Tobacco Beetle
Small beetles that can burrow inside cigars and leaf holes and traces in their wake. A single beetle can ruin the entire contents of a humidor.
Toothy
A term that’s used to describe the appearance of a cigar’s wrapper that is usually covered in small dots or bumps, which are also visible in the ash. Typically associated with Cameroon wrappers, the small dots supposedly contain oils, which release a distinctive flavour.
Toro
A relatively large cigar vitola that’s gaining popularity as an alternative to Coronas. Toros are similar in size to Gordos except that their ring gauge is 50 rather than 60.
Learn More: Cigar Sizes [Toro]
Torpedo
A cigar vitola with a pointed head and a member of the Figurado family.
Triple Cap
A Cuban practice of applying three caps on a cigar’s head. It is a secure approach, which makes unraveling less likely.
Tubo
Cigars that are supplied in metallic tubes for safe transport and easy storage.
Tunnelling
A type of burning issue where the interior of the cigar burns faster than the outside.
U
Underfilled
Poorly-filled cigars that feel either soft or hollow to the touch. These may likely suffer from burn issues such as runners.
Learn more: Common Cigar Burning Issues
V
V-Cut
A particular style of cigar cut where a v-shaped chunk is removed from the head of the cigar.
Vein
A part of the tobacco leaf that is sometimes visible in cigars. Traditionally, pronounced veins are seen as unattractive and indicative of rushed curing. However, it is sometimes an intentional feature of some cigars.
Vitola
A term which refers to different cigar shapes and sizes. For instance, Perfectos, Coronas, Torpedos and Parejos are all examples of vitolas.
Learn More: Cigar Vitolas
Volado
One of the lowest cultivated layers on the tobacco plant. These particular leaves are large and thin. However, they are almost flavourless whilst offering excellent combustion.
W
Wedge
An alternative name for the V-Cut.
Learn More: Types Of Cigar Cuts
Wrapper
The outermost leaf of a cigar that covers the binder and provides an aesthetically pleasing finish. Some cigars also feature flavoursome wrappers that contribute to the blend’s taste.
Learn More: Types Of Cigar Wrappers
X
X Cut
An X cut on a cigar is accomplished by performing two cuts with a V-cut cigar cutter. Each of the cuts is offset by 90 degrees. While not traditional, the X cut allows for larger draws which some cigar smokers prefer. When using a V-cut, care must be taken not to compromise the cap of the cigar as this could cause the rest of the wrapper to unroll.
Learn More: Types Of Cigar Cuts
Y
Any suggestions or requests for words starting with this letter? Leave a comment below!
Other Resources
Having now fully explored our cigar glossary, why don’t you check out some related guides and materials that we offer on the subject?
"Excellent glossary. Really detailed and easy to use. Love that we can make requests for new terms too!"Rating: 5.0 ★★★★★
question? should you remove the wrapper from the cigar when you put it in the humidifier ?
Now there’s a topic of heated debate!
I personally keep them on whereas Paul prefers to remove his. Cellophane is a natural product and doesn’t prevent humidity exchange. It does, however, slow it down, which can be good when taking them out and travelling. The cellophane also protects the cigars from knocks and falls.
Furthermore, if the cigars spend a long time in a humidor, it prevents the oils from marrying between different blends. If you ever have a tobacco beetle infestation, it can also prevent them from spreading as they die when they eat through the cellophane.
Meanwhile, people who prefer to remove them will argue that they prefer a regular humidity exchange that isn’t slowed down. If you’re not leaving the cigars in the humidor for very long, the marrying of oils will be minimal. In fact, if they’re all the same blend, they may even benefit from it.
Finally, there is also an aesthetic argument as unwrapped cigars do look nicer in a humidor.
If you want to learn more about this, I recommend our following videos on YouTube:
– Davidoff Cigars’ Klaas Kelner Explains Why Cigars Are Wrapped In Cellophane
– Should You Keep Your Cigars In Cellophane?
Hope this helps!
All the best,
CP
Very good information. Thank you for sharing.
You’re very welcome!
Need definition of “plugged” in relationship to the draw
Hi Jim,
Thanks for the suggestion. We’ve added an entry for plugged cigars as requested.
All the best,
CP
Hello!
Can you pleasee add: “new world cigars” and “old world cigars” ?
In one of your articles (also video) you talk about the RH and temperature for different types of cigars ( new, old world, cuban etc.).
I have different humidors for cuban, nicaraguan and dominican cigars andI would like to know what you recommend (how do you 2 store them) deppending on origin.
Thank you in advance!
Hi MD,
Good call! I just added them!
As for the different storage solutions for cigars from these countries, our best resource would actually be our Boveda guide!
All the best,
CP
Thank you for the add!
Well noted.
Also the link you gave me it was very usefull.
Regarding the temperature I have a question:
What is your opinion about storing Cubans between 15 and 21 Celsius at 65 to 71 RH?
Hi again MD,
Thanks for the suggestion!
My personal opinion is that as long as the temperature is consistent, it’s fine as long as it doesn’t exceed a typical room temperature. Meanwhile, if you’re looking to age cigars over a long period of time, I’d try to replicate cellar conditions so somewhere between 10°C – 15°C. The same thing applies to humidity. 69 – 70% is fine for daily use but something closer to 60 – 65% for ageing is ideal.
That said, a lot of people, including BU founder Paul Anthony, prefer storing Cubans at a steady 65%. I’m a little more laid-back on the matter!
All the best,
CP
By “[…] a long period of time” do you mean over 6-10 months or over 2-3 years?
Currently I have:
1. an office humidor (aprox. 20 sticks) for daily use that stays between 68 – 71 RH with 20°C – 22°C (using Boveda packs but because of the fluctuation of the temperature, the RH fluctuates also quite a bit;
2. Something between a coolidor and a tupperdor which has a couple of boxes with Boveda packs inside and a couple of sealed Boveda Humidor Bags – keeping different CUBAN brands. At home, the Boveda Butler tells me that I have 68 – 70 RH with 14°C – 17°C.
I would really apreciate if you could tell me you opinion on:
a) do you think the conditions for no. 2 are OK, could I buy more boxes and to have the peace-of-mind that they will keep well?
b) why do you consider cellar conditions more appropiate for aging?
Thanks for the good and productive conversation!
HI MD,
Ageing can be a process that people undertake for at least a few months (typically at least 6). However, some people will age certain cigars for years or even decades. It really depends on the blend, the country of origin, and how mature it was when it arrived. For instance, certain Cuban cigars are said to be too young when they’re shipped. Consequently, serious collectors age them for a number of years.
Occasionally, they’ll keep the majority of the cigars in ageing and occasionally take a few out and acclimate them in a regular humidor for a few weeks before smoking them.
To answer your other questions, I have a very similar setup to your n°2 tupperdors. Like Paul, our founder, I have these big storage contains with airtight gaskets. The boxes are loose inside with a number of 320g 69% Boveda packs. Like you, I get around 68 to 70 and the temperature is not too different either.
Like I said, I’m quite laid-back so my Cuban cigars share the same space and my Dominican New Worlds. However, they are separated by their different boxes. If you’re more serious than me, consider replacing the 69% packs with 65% but I think it’s fine at the moment. Otherwise, anything from Honduras and Nicaragua et al are in a separate storage container box.
Cellar conditions are best for ageing for a number of reasons. Firstly, cellars have a consistent temperature and humidity throughout the year at any time of the day. Funnily enough, wine, which is also best stored in a cellar, requires an RH of 70% too. As for the temperature, they’re typically between 10°C and 12°C, which is also ideal for both wine and cigars.
Finally, cellars are pitch black. Both wine and cigars can be quite sensitive to sunlight so if you’re looking to store them over a long period of time, this keeps them in the best possible environment.
That said, I would still keep them in their humidors inside a cellar. The cellar conditions help your storage containers and prevent them from working too hard. Nevertheless, they’re best kept inside to protect them from over-humidification and eventual mould.
All the best,
CP
Hello one las time, CP!
I’m writing like this because I cannot find a “reply” button on your previous answer.
So, let’s begin …
I thought you will reffer to a longer period than 6 months for aging and I agree with those people.
Second of all I also get the feeling that some cubans are pretty young at some point.
I was looking into keeping the cigars (in those celler conditions) for an unlimited period. I just buy a box of 10 for instance of which I put 3 – 4 sticks in the regular humidor for daily smoke. The rest of the box will be put in that tupperdor.
I understand that your POV is that this si ok but when I want to smoke another one from the tupperdor, just let in in the desktop humidor (normal temperature and normal RH) for 1 – 2 weeks.
Thank you again for the small chat and your oppinions!
All the best!
Hi MD,
No problem. I think the comments here limit it to two or three replies before making you start a new thread, which is kinda weird but that’s the way it is!
You’re absolutely right across all points. I’d just say two weeks at least to let the cigars properly acclimate to the new temperature and RH before they’re optimal for smoking but one should be fine in a pinch. Ideally, I’d leave it for three just to be sure. Overall, though, this sounds like the perfect setup!
All the best,
CP
what is/are Cazadores?
Hi Eric,
A Cazadore (hunter in English) is a lesser-known cigar vitola. It’s usually around 6×44, which is similar in size to a Lonsdale.
All the best,
CP
can you provide a description of “Sumatra”?
Sure, Gordon! I’ve just added it!
Toothy added…
Done!
“X” cut using a V Cutter one way, then making a second cut perpendicular to the first, forming an “X” on top of the cap. It opens up more of the head, but the cap remains in place. I started doing that, but I’m sure others have done it, too.
Thanks! Will update the glossary with this one.
Rafael