My Cigar Labels

The journey that tobacco makes in its way to becoming a cigar is a painstakingly slow process, sometimes taking years, each leaf being handled by some 40 or more people along the way, before becoming that great cigar you’re familiar with.

There is first a six week seed germination phase, followed by another six weeks to grow the tobacco leaves to maturity. That is followed by yet another six week period in which it is harvested, and then more periods of time for the leaves to ferment. During this time, the leaves are piled high in bales and the tobacco “sweats” out the ammonia. This can happen several times until fermentation is complete.

Then, before it is turned over to the cigar rollers, the bales of fermented tobacco are wrapped in burlap and set to aging. The average time is 18 months to 2 years, though there are others who keep it aging much longer.

So that cigar in your hand is a bit older than you might’ve imagined!