Styles of Bunching

As we have covered in the past, handmade cigars are constructed using a process that involves two people: A Buncher and a Roller. While the Roller is responsible for how the cigar looks (by applying the wrapper and the cap), it is on the Buncher to ensure a cigar is properly constructed. This requires using the correct amount (and ratios) of tobacco, arranging the tobaccos in a proper manner, and using proper bunching techniques to allow for proper airflow. There are several different styles of bunching cigars, with Entubo and Accordion being most commonly used in premium cigars. If you cut a cigar open you can see how the cigar Buncher has formed the fillers in the cigar to allow for air channels that allow you to smoke your cigar and provide a good draw.

Figurado, Perfecto etc:

Cigars that have a specific shape (such as figurado and perfecto) typically use a combination of bunching techniques to form their bunch. The tapering that takes place along the shape of the cigar requires that extra care be taken to avoid any plugs that could hamper a proper draw. These are the hardest cigars to roll and take the longest to roll. Shaped cigars are generally only bunched and rolled by the most experienced and skilled pairs in a factory.

Entubar:

This is a difficult and complex technique that requires each individual leaf to be rolled upon itself like a scroll that results in a more firmly packed cigar. This is a time consuming process that isn’t often used in large scale rolling operations. However, this rolling technique allows for air to travel between all of the leaves in the cigar, allowing for more aroma and flavors to reach your pallet.

Accordion:

In this technique the edges of the fillers are folded inwards and then stacked on top of themselves. This folding and stacking technique provides good airflow and is faster than Entubar. You will notice that tobacco leaves of your cigar looks like compressed springs or accordions rather than scrolls.

Book:

Similar to the accordion style of bunching, tobacco leaves are simply stacked on top of each other rather than being rolled individually. However, in book style bunching, the entire stack is folded on itself rather than the leaves being individually folded. This is the simplest style of rolling, is the easiest to learn and produces cigars quickly. However, this bunching style does not allow as much air to pass through each individual leaf, thus resulting in less flavor and aroma and often a tighter draw.

Lieberman/Machine Bunching:

This style of rolling uses a machine to assist the Buncher in forming the cigar. After the Buncher has arranged the binder and filler leaves to the correct ratio, the leaves are placed on a machine that forms the bunch. This is still considered a hand rolled process and results in a higher quality product than fully machine-made cigars. This is most commonly used to assist new bunchers and produce cigars at lower price points.

While we aren’t a fan of abusing cigars and cutting them open, it is interesting to see the different styles that cigar makers use. If your cigar is damaged and you are just going to toss it, split it open and take a look at the bunching style first!