Cigarillos are small, sweet tobacco smokes. They are often used as after-dinner smokes, or in lieu of dessert. Some of the most renowned cigar makers have their own line of cigarillos, such as Swisher Sweets.
The process of manufacturing is identical across all brands. Tobacco leaves are delivered to warehouses with jute bags weighing 33 pounds which are then "thrashed" or mechanically beat to get rid of stems and veins.
What is a cigarillos?
Cigarillos are miniature, small cigars, which are roughly as big as a typical cigarettes. They range in length between three and five inches and have rings that have gauges of 20-30.
Cigarillos were almost exclusively hand-crafted European product up until the 1950s when regulations relaxed and they began to become automated. If one goes to Henri Winterman's factory located in Eersel, the Dutch city in Eersel, Villiger Cigar's factory in Tiengen or Dannemann Moods in Lubeck, the process of making cigarillos is pretty similar across the globe.
Cigarillos are an excellent choice for anyone who would like to indulge in a cigar but doesn't have a whole hour to enjoy a large smoke. They also are popular with young people who want to start smoking cigars but prefer a smaller and lighter smoke.
Do I know how to light a cigar?
While you smoke your cigars, the oils contained in the tobacco will heat up and release their wonderful scents. It will be apparent the flavors of coffee beans, vanilla, pepper, leather, chocolate. The taste will change as you move through the cigar, and it may transform into an orchestra of complex.
When you smoke your cigar, be sure not to and inhale the smoking smoke straight into your lung (we all did it when we were kids, but don't admit it). The correct way to smoke a cigar requires you to slowly draw, hold smoking for short period of time before blowing it out slowly. This is known as retro-haling. It lets you taste the various flavors that are put into cigars.
After you've finished smoking your cigar make sure to press it with a firm force into an Ashtray until it's completely out of flames. Do not touch the edge of a cigar as it could break the wrapper and ruin your enjoyment.
What is the best pairing for the cigarillo?
The main thing to consider when paired with drinks and cigars is that a similar pairing is the most effective approach. A quality cigar can impart strong aromas to your palate and tongue So it's essential to match it with a beverage that complements and balances the smoky flavors.
Whiskey is an excellent choice because it is a great match with virtually any cigar. If you like one malt single from Scotland or Bourbon from Kentucky, the rich flavor of both will enhance the tobacco and leather flavors of the Cuban cigar.
A robust cigar is great to drink with a strong spirit like cognac or brandy. The coffee, toasted nuts and chocolate flavors from a Davidoff Yamasa may complement the fruity, rich spice of the Remy Martin XO.
What is the best way to cut the cigarillo?
There are many methods to cut a cigar by using cutting tools, scissors, or by biting. When cutting with a cutter it is crucial to remember that you must cut just below the cap line but over the shoulder. This will stop the cigar from tearing and result in a smooth, clean smoke.
If you don't own a cutter, make use of your fingernail to puncture the cap or top of the cigar, and make the punch cut. You can simply cut the tobacco in a circular fashion until you've created a hole.
Cigar scissors are a great alternative to cut a cigar. They function similar to double-blade guillotines, creating an opening that is straight and large that allows you to draw. Be sure to place the scissors in the right order and to not cut too deep otherwise you could end up tearing the wrapper of a cigar.
