I’m going to make this as relaxing and as semi-informative as I can…for those that are new to cigars*

*That mean the rest of you can take the day off. 

Every cigar has three main parts. Wrapper. Binder. Filler.

You have probably heard this before. You know, from that guy in the lounge that knows everything…and makes sure YOU know he knows everything. Heck, he might even be right about this one. Then again, if you are reading this, you might have some fact-checking you are looking for.

If you are looking for me to break down every single thing in creating a cigar, this is not that. Let’s start slow.

This is Cigars 101 for people who actually smoke cigars and want to understand what is going on without pretending they are studying for an exam.

Let’s start with the wrapper, because, well, everyone does.

The Wrapper

This is the outside cigar. It is the tobacco you see first (other than the end of the cigar of course).

It the wrapper was a movie, it is the main actor. However…it is not always the main actor that makes the movie great.

It is the one people photograph though. It is the one that gets judged the hardest and often unfairly.

Many will argue the wrapper affects flavor more than any single component. I don’t know if I agree with that…but it is true to a point.

Estimates vary, but roughly 30 to 60 percent of what you taste comes from the wrapper. That is not marketing hype. That is chemistry, oils, fermentation, and combustion doing their thing.

This is why two cigars with the same binder and filler can taste completely different if the wrapper changes (talkin’ to you Illusione Tuenela)

The wrapper is also the most delicate part of the cigar. It cracks first. It dries out first. It gets blamed first.

It is also the most expensive part of the cigar. Looks matter, and wrappers are judged and priced accordingly.

The Binder

The binder is the leaf under the wrapper. It does not get any glory. No one posts photos of it. No one asks what binder you are smoking. No one really cares what it looks like.

The binder has one main job. Hold the filler together and help the cigar burn evenly. But this is as VERY important job. This took me awhile to learn when blending. Everything needs to work together.

The blender that wants a specific set of fillers will often have to adjust the binder to keep everything in line. Remember, the binder can control the pace of the burn.

Think structure and stability.

By no means does that mean the binder needs to neutral in flavor…it can bring a few things to the table.

A binder can add body, strength, and subtle flavor. It often bridges the gap between wrapper and filler. I always think when a cigar feels balanced, the binder deserves some credit.

The Filler

The filler IS the blend.

That does’t take anything away from the rest of the cigar, but this is where cigars really begin to differentiate from each other.

We all make spaghetti sauce from the tomatoes. The spice is what makes the sauces taste so different.

Fillers are made from multiple leaves, often from different primings, farms, or even countries. Long filler means whole leaves. Short filler means chopped bits.

Filler is where the flavor really is.

It is the ‘story’ of the smoke. This is why a cigar can start mild, build to medium, then finish strong without falling apart. That is intentional blending.

Different leaves burn at different rates. Blenders use that to control how the cigar evolves. That transition you liked halfway through the cigar did not happen by accident.

If wrapper adds flavor. Filler brings the punch.

If a cigar feels one dimensional, the filler blend is usually the reason. If it keeps changing and staying interesting, same answer.

How It All Works Together

Here is the part people skip.

A cigar is not just three independent parts stacked together. It is a system. Wrapper, binder, and filler must agree with each other.

I always thought that if a blender wants to work with some tobaccos, it is there job to mix them together, in a specific ratio, to make them compliment each other.

It is why I believe blending is often compared to composing music or cooking. You have to feel it.

You do not need this info to enjoy a cigar. But it helps you understand why you like what you like.

What wrappers to you like?

If you prefer sweeter cigars, pay attention to wrappers. If you like strength and body, filler composition matters more. Good construction should be a given.

It also could help you read reviews without rolling your eyes. When someone mentions wrapper influence or filler progression, you now know what they are talking about.

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