Cigar Term Glossary

Welcome to the Renegade Cigars Glossary, your fast-track guide to understanding cigar terms, types, and techniques. Whether you're lighting your first stick or deep into the culture, this resource from the Renegade Cigars helps decode the vocabulary behind premium cigars. Let’s clear the smoke around the jargon and sharpen your cigar knowledge.

Cigar Types & Sizes

Know your robusto from your lancero. Find the shape and size that fits your smoking style.

Cigars come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, known as vitolas. A vitola describes a cigar’s specific length and ring gauge, which together determine the format of the cigar. The size impacts the flavor, burn time, and draw.

Below are the most common cigar types with corresponding sizes (length in inches by ring gauge) you’ll find at Renegade Cigars:

Cigar Type	Typical Size	Description
Robusto	~5” x 50	Short and stout. Bold flavor concentration with a 30 to 45 minute smoke time. Ideal for daily smoking or new smokers.
Toro	~6” x 50	Slightly longer than a Robusto with a bit more complexity. A great balance between time and taste.
Churchill	~7” x 48	A classic long-format cigar named after Winston Churchill. Great for slower smokes and relaxed evenings.
Corona	~5.5” x 42	Old-school favorite. Slimmer ring gauge offering a balanced, medium-bodied flavor over about 40 minutes.
Lancero	~7.5” x 38	A long, thin cigar that delivers intense flavor from the wrapper leaf. Not beginner-friendly but highly rewarding.
Torpedo	Varies, often 6.5” x 52	Tapered at one end to concentrate smoke. Elegant and complex drawing. Adds drama and sophistication to any smoke.
Belicoso	Similar to Torpedo, shorter	Short and pointed with strong, focused flavor. A bold choice with a smooth finish.
Gordo / 60 Ring	Typically, 6” x 60 or larger	Big ring, longer smoke. Great for power smokers or those who want a longer experience.
Panetela	Usually ~6” x 34	Slim and stylish. Rare these days but offers a refined, quick smoke with bright wrapper-forward flavor.
Cigarillo	~3 to 4”, small ring	Mini cigar for a quick hit of tobacco flavor. Great for colder days or short breaks.

Aging

Aging is the process by which tobacco, either as individual leaves or fully rolled cigars, is stored under controlled temperature and humidity to allow its flavors to mature. Over time, harshness fades, and the tobacco develops smoother, more nuanced characteristics that enhance overall smoking quality.

Ash

Ash is the gray or white residue left after a cigar burns. A cigar with a firm, compact ash is generally well-constructed and burns evenly. Some smokers observe ash quality as an informal indicator of the cigar’s materials and craftsmanship. Letting ash build up slightly can also help maintain a steady burn.

Ashtray

A cigar ashtray is designed specifically for cigars rather than cigarettes. It typically features deep wells to hold long ash and wider grooves or rests to accommodate thicker ring gauges. Using the right ashtray helps protect the cigar between puffs and keeps your smoking space tidy.

Banding & Boxing

Once cigars are rolled and aged, they are often banded with branded labels and placed into cedar-lined boxes for storage or sale. Boxing not only protects cigars during transport and display but also contributes to their aging. When cigars are packed in cedar-lined boxes, the wood imparts a subtle aroma and helps regulate moisture during storage, especially if they are allowed to rest after rolling.

Blending

Blending refers to the art of combining different tobaccos, often from various regions or seed types, to create a specific flavor profile. Master blenders aim for harmony in strength, aroma, burn quality, and complexity, ensuring that a cigar delivers a consistent and satisfying experience from start to finish.

Burn Line

The burn line is the edge where the burning part of the cigar meets the unburned wrapper. A straight, even burn line indicates proper construction and packing of tobacco. Wavy or uneven lines—sometimes called “canoeing”—suggest uneven filler distribution, lighting issues, or improper humidity levels.

Candela

Candela is a bright green wrapper leaf that achieves its color through a rapid drying process using heated barns. This flash-curing locks in chlorophyll, producing a grassy, herbal flavor profile. Popular in the U.S. during the mid-20th century, Candela is rare but still loved by traditionalists.

Cap

The cap is the finished covering at the head of the cigar, typically crafted from one or more pieces of wrapper leaf. It holds the wrapper in place and is cut before smoking. A well-applied cap protects against unraveling and ensures a clean draw.

Cedar Spills

Cedar spills are thin strips of Spanish cedar used to light cigars without imparting unwanted chemical odors. They produce a slow, aromatic flame and are favored for ceremonial or traditional lightings, allowing for a more elegant ignition ritual and preserving the purity of the cigar’s flavor.

Cigar Cutter

A cigar cutter is a tool designed to clip the sealed head of a cigar before smoking, allowing proper airflow through the draw.

Three common types include:

• Straight (Guillotine): Provides a clean, straight cut.
• V-Cut: Carves a deep V-shaped notch.
• Punch Cut: Removes a small circular plug.

Note: A sharp, clean cutter is essential to avoid frayed wrappers and restricted draws.

Cigar Rest / Stand

A cigar rest or stand holds your cigar off surfaces between puffs, helping prevent rolling, burning furniture, or contamination. Often made of wood, metal, or ceramic, these small accessories are especially useful outdoors or in social settings where a dedicated ashtray may not be available.

Connecticut Broadleaf

Connecticut Broadleaf is a sun-grown tobacco leaf from the Connecticut River Valley. Thicker and more rugged than Connecticut Shade, it develops deep, earthy, and naturally sweet flavors. Frequently used for Maduro wrappers, it adds richness and bold character to full-bodied cigars.

Connecticut Shade

Grown under filtered sunlight in the Connecticut River Valley, this golden wrapper leaf is light, smooth, and mild. Connecticut Shade is commonly seen in beginner-friendly cigars or refined blends thanks to its creamy texture, consistent color, and clean-burning profile that allows nuanced flavors to shine.

Corojo

Originally developed in Cuba, Corojo is a spicy, pepper-forward tobacco varietal now widely grown in Honduras and Nicaragua. It’s used in wrappers and fillers for full-bodied cigars, offering strength, complexity, and a signature kick that appeals to seasoned smokers who enjoy bold, traditional flavor.

Creamy (tasting note)

“Creamy” describes a cigar’s smooth, mellow smoking texture, often with buttery or light vanilla notes. It’s a flavor quality rather than an ingredient, usually associated with Connecticut Shade wrappers or Dominican tobaccos. Creamy cigars are ideal for beginners or those who prefer a softer, milder experience.

Originally developed in Cuba, Corojo is a spicy, pepper-forward tobacco varietal now widely grown in Honduras and Nicaragua. It’s used in wrappers and fillers for full-bodied cigars, offering strength, complexity, and a signature kick that appeals to seasoned smokers who enjoy bold, traditional flavor.

Creamy (tasting note)

“Creamy” describes a cigar’s smooth, mellow smoking texture, often with buttery or light vanilla notes. It’s a flavor quality rather than an ingredient, usually associated with Connecticut Shade wrappers or Dominican tobaccos. Creamy cigars are ideal for beginners or those who prefer a softer, milder experience.

Criollo

Criollo is a Cuban seed varietal known for its earthy, slightly sweet tobacco. It can be used in filler or wrapper leaves and contributes medium-to-full body character to a blend. Frequently seen in Nicaraguan or Honduran cigars, Criollo offers balanced strength and a smooth, rounded profile.

Curing

Curing is the first post-harvest step where harvested tobacco leaves dry in barns to reduce moisture. Over several weeks, leaves change color and begin to develop aroma. This stage is essential for preparing tobacco for fermentation and eventually rolling; no proper cigar is made with uncured leaf.

Cutting

Cutting a cigar involves removing the closed cap just above the shoulder to create a clean opening for air to pass through the cigar. A proper cut preserves the cigar’s structure and ensures a smooth draw. Poor cutting can damage the wrapper or restrict airflow.

Draw

The draw describes how well air flows through a lit cigar when you puff on it. A good draw should offer some resistance but feel easy and steady. A tight draw can make smoking difficult, while a loose draw may cause overheating or faster burning.

Draw Tool

A draw tool is a small, handheld device used to unblock cigars with overly tight construction. It gently pierces the filler tobacco to create an airway without damaging the wrapper or disrupting the integrity of the cigar. Useful for saving cigars that might otherwise be unsmokable.

Earthy (tasting note)

“Earthy” is a common tasting note in cigars that evokes aromas and flavors like soil, clay, wood, or forest floor. It’s typically associated with fuller-bodied cigars made from aged or fermented tobaccos and contributes a natural, grounded depth to the smoking experience.

Fermentation

Fermentation is the post-curing process where tobacco leaves are stacked in piles (called pilones), allowing natural heat and moisture to break down ammonia and harsh chemicals. This essential step enhances the tobacco’s aroma, smoothness, and flavor while reducing bitterness and sharpness, bringing the leaf closer to its final, smoke-ready form.

Flavor Progression

Flavor progression describes how a cigar’s taste evolves from beginning to end. Many premium cigars are blended specifically to change across thirds: starting mild or creamy, moving into richer, spicier notes, and ending with bold, earthy, or peppery characteristics. This can add depth and interest to the smoking experience.

Foot

The foot is the open end of the cigar, the part you light. A well-made foot will have a clean, even distribution of filler visible inside the binder and wrapper. Toasting and lighting the foot properly is essential for an even burn and an ideal start to your smoke.

Habano

Habano refers to a Cuban seed varietal that produces flavorful tobacco known for strength and spice. Now grown in places like Nicaragua and Ecuador, Habano wrappers are thick, dark, and oily, often contributing bold, leathery, and peppery notes to a cigar. Favored in full-bodied blends.

Head

The head is the closed tip of the cigar that goes into the smoker’s mouth. It is typically round and sealed with a cap. This is the area you cut before smoking. A well-formed head preserves the cigar’s structure during smoking and offers a comfortable draw.

Humidification System

A humidification system regulates moisture levels inside a humidor to protect cigars from drying out or becoming too moist.

Types include:

• Boveda Packs: Self-regulating packets for passive control.
• Gels/Crystals: Rechargeable with distilled water.
• Electronic Systems: Ideal for large humidors; provides precision control.

Proper humidification is essential for flavor, combustion, and cigar preservation.

Humidor

A humidor is a sealed cabinet, box, or room designed to store cigars at ideal humidity and temperature. Most are lined with Spanish cedar, which maintains moisture and repels pests.

Tip: Season your humidor before first use to prep the cedar and prevent over-drying your cigars.

Leather (tasting note)

“Leather” is a rich, savory tasting note sometimes found in medium-to-full-bodied cigars. It evokes the aroma and flavor of aged saddles, leather jackets, or fine upholstery. Often associated with well-aged tobaccos, especially in Cuban-seed or Nicaraguan blends.

Lighter

A cigar lighter delivers a clean, odorless flame to ignite cigars without altering flavor.

Types include:

• Torch (Jet Flame): Powerful and ideal for outdoor use or precision toasting.
• Soft Flame: Classic and gentle, often used by purists.
• Long Cedar Matches: Provide a slow, elegant light.

Avoid: Gasoline-based lighters like Zippo's, which can taint the cigar’s taste.

Lighting

Lighting a cigar involves gently toasting the foot without directly charring the tobacco. Use controlled, circular motions while puffing lightly to ensure an even burn. Proper lighting leads to a more balanced draw and flavor consistency throughout your smoke.

Ligero

Ligero leaves grow at the top of the tobacco plant and are strongest in both flavor and nicotine. Because of their thickness and slow-burning nature, they are often used in filler blends to add power and enhance the cigar’s strength and longevity.

Maduro

Maduro, meaning “ripe” in Spanish, refers to dark wrapper leaves that undergo extended fermentation. Known for sweet, earthy notes of cocoa or spice, Maduros are popular in medium- to full-bodied blends. While often thicker and slower-burning, construction also plays a key role in burn time.

Nutty (tasting note)

“Nutty” is a flavor profile that resembles roasted almond, cashew, hazelnut, or peanut. Often found in milder cigars, nuttiness adds a warm, familiar undertone to the blend. It pairs well with creamy and toasty flavors and is especially common in Connecticut Shade cigars.

Oscuro

Oscuro is the darkest type of wrapper leaf, even darker than Maduro, achieved through prolonged fermentation and aging. These wrappers tend to deliver bold, rich flavors such as dark chocolate, espresso, and black pepper. Common in full-bodied blends, Oscuro cigars are often intense and slow-burning.

Pairing

Pairing cigars with beverages such as coffee, bourbon, rum, wine, or even sparkling water can enhance flavor perception and highlight subtle tasting notes. A thoughtfulpairing brings balance—a strong cigar with a bold whiskey, or a mild cigar with a creamy coffee, depending on the desired experience.

Priming

Priming refers to the harvesting method where tobacco leaves are picked in stages from the bottom to the top of the plant. Lower primings are thinner, burn well, and offer milder flavor, while top primings like ligero are thicker, burn slower, and add strength to the blend.

Puffing Rhythm

Pacing your puffs is critical for cigar enjoyment. Puffing too frequently can overheat the tobacco, leading to harshness or bitterness. Ideally, take a puff every 45–60 seconds to allow the cigar to rest and stay cool, preserving its intended flavor and aroma.

Relighting

Cigars naturally go out if left unattended. When relighting, first remove any build-up of ash at the foot. Then toast and draw gently to re-establish an even burn. Puffing too aggressively can char the tobacco and ruin flavor, so take your time and re-light with care.

Retrohaling

Retrohaling is the technique of pushing smoke through your nose after drawing it into your mouth (without inhaling into your lungs). It enhances flavor perception by engaging more olfactory receptors, helping you detect spicy, peppery, and aromatic notes that may not be as noticeable through standard smoking.

Seams

Seams are the visible lines on a cigar’s wrapper where the leaf is rolled around the binder and filler. Even, tight seams signal good construction and affect the visual appeal and durability of a cigar. Loose seams can detract from the aesthetic and may unwrap during smoking.

Seco

Seco leaves come from the middle sections of the tobacco plant and are known for their moderate body and good combustion. Often used in filler blends, seco provides balance between strength and burn quality without overpowering the blend, often contributing subtle aromatic or floral notes.

Shade-Grown

Shade-grown tobacco is cultivated under mesh or cloth to shield it from direct sunlight. This method produces thinner, more elastic leaves with lighter colors and milder flavors. It is most famously used for Connecticut Shade wrappers, known for their smooth, mellow, and creamy smoking profiles.

Stripping

Stripping is the process of removing the central vein or stem from a tobacco leaf, either partially or entirely, depending on its final use. This makes the leaf more flexible and usable for binder or wrapper and improves burn consistency in the finished cigar.

Sun-Grown

Sun-grown tobacco is grown in full sunlight without shade cover, resulting in thicker, heartier leaves with darker color and stronger flavor. These wrappers are often used in medium- to full-bodied cigars and are favored for their boldness, enhanced oils, and visible leaf texture.

Travel Humidor / Cigar Case

A travel humidor or cigar case is designed to safely transport cigars while maintaining proper humidity. Travel humidors are usually hard-shell with foam linings, while slim leather or cedar-lined cases are ideal for everyday carry. They prevent damage and keep your cigars fresh away from home.

Veins

Veins are the natural ridges that run through tobacco leaves, transporting nutrients during the plant’s growth. While faint veins are normal, a wrapper that is excessively veiny may feel rough and burn unevenly. Premium wrappers are typically well-sorted and pressed to minimize visible veins for a smoother appearance and performance.

Volado

Volado leaves come from the bottom of the tobacco plant and are the thinnest and mildest of the main primings (above seco and ligero). Though they offer less flavor, their superb combustion qualities make them an essential component of filler blends, helping cigars burn evenly and reliably.

Wrapper

The wrapper is the outermost leaf of a cigar and the most visible and delicate part. It significantly influences both flavor and aroma, often contributing more to the smoke’s taste than any other component. A good wrapper is smooth, elastic, and uniform in color, indicating quality craftsmanship and proper fermentation.