A Beginner’s Guide to Cigar Lounge Lingo

Ashtray

An ashtray is an essential accessory for any cigar aficionado. Ashtrays are designed to collect ashes without dispersing them on your furniture or clothing. Most ashtrays are made from ceramic or metal and feature large indentations where smokers can rest their cigars while they smoke. Many modern ashtrays also come with lids to keep ashes contained when not in use.

Blend

A blend is a combination of tobaccos used to create a specific type of cigar. This includes different types of tobacco leaves from different countries, which are combined to create unique flavor profiles. The blend also includes the shape and size of the cigar, as well as its wrapper, binder, and filler tobaccos.

Churchill

Named after Winston Churchill himself, Churchills measure approximately 7 inches long with a generous ring gauge of 47-48. They have become popular because they offer plenty of flavor without taking too much time to smoke. As such, they're perfect for those who don't have all day but still want to enjoy the full experience that comes with smoking a premium cigar.

Cigarillo

A cigarillo is a small cigar, usually around 3 inches in length with a ring gauge between 24-38. They are typically made with short-filler tobacco and have an open foot, meaning they do not need to be lit with a match or lighter.

Cutting

Cutting is all about preparing your cigar for smoking; it involves using a special cutter to make a clean cut at the head (the closed end) of your cigar so that air can pass through easily when inhaling. It's important to use caution when cutting as too deep or off-center cuts can unravel cigars or cause them to burn unevenly.

Double Claro

Double Claro is a type of wrapper leaf that has been treated twice during curing in order to achieve its light brown color. It is usually grown in Sumatra or Ecuador but it can also be found in other parts of Central and South America. Double Claro wrappers provide milder smokes than many other wrappers but they still have plenty of depth and complexity.

Draw

Draw refers to how easy or difficult it is for air to pass through your lit and unlit cigars when inhaling; cigars with a good draw will have an effortless draw while those with poor draw may require more effort from the smoker when inhaling air through them. A good draw ensures that smoke passes smoothly through and provides optimal flavor delivery from your chosen blend.

Humidor

A humidor is a box or cabinet that is used to store cigars at the optimal humidity level so that they stay fresh and flavorful. Humidors come in all shapes and sizes, from small wooden boxes to large glass-fronted cabinets filled with hundreds of cigars. Some humidors even come equipped with digital hygrometers that monitor the humidity levels inside the box so that you can keep your cigars stored in perfect condition.

Lighting

Lighting involves carefully applying heat to the foot (open end) of your cigar with a lighter or torch until it evenly glows red. To do this properly, take short puffs while rotating the cigar to make sure all areas are lit up evenly.

Maduro

Maduro cigars are made with dark brown or black wrapper leaves that have been fermented for longer than usual to achieve their rich flavor and color. They tend to have deeper flavors than other cigars because of their extended fermentation process and often feature notes of cocoa, coffee, and earthy spices.

Puffing

Puffing means taking short draws from your lit cigar every few seconds while rotating it slightly between each puff so that it burns evenly throughout its length. It's important not to draw too hard or too often as this will cause your cigar to overheat and ruin its flavor profile.

Robusto/Robusta

Robustos are a type of cigar that measures approximately 5 inches long with a ring gauge of 50. It is usually considered one of the most popular sizes among both beginners and aficionados alike. This is due to its size and price point—it packs quite a punch but won't break the bank.
Tasting Notes
Tasting notes are descriptions used by cigar enthusiasts when discussing the flavor profile of certain cigars. Common tasting notes include nutty, cedar, leathery, spicy, herbal, earthy and sweet. It is up to individual smokers to decide which tasting notes they prefer in their cigars; this can vary greatly from person to person depending on their palate and preferences.

The Cut

When discussing a particular cigar, aficionados will often refer to “the cut” they prefer. This refers to the type of cut made into the cap at the head of the cigar. Usually, there are two types of cuts - a straight cut or a V-cut. A straight cut is made directly across, while a V-cut is made diagonally so as to create an inverted V shape in the cap. For many smokers, it is important for their preferred cut to create an ideal balance between airflow and flavor intensity.

Tobacconist

A tobacconist is someone who specializes in selling tobacco products such as cigars, pipes, and pipe tobacco. Tobacconists typically have a deep knowledge of the history and culture of cigars, as well as an extensive selection of cigars for sale. They can help you find the perfect cigar for your taste and budget.

Torch

As you may have guessed from its name alone, this term refers to a lighter usually used for lighting cigars with precision and ease. Torches typically use butane fuel instead of lighter fluid which allows them to burn hotter than standard lighters with less odor or residue buildup on the flame itself. The flame created by torches also tends to be larger than traditional lighters making it easier for novice smokers who may struggle with keeping their cigars lit evenly throughout smoking sessions.

Torpedo/Pyramid

Torpedos are another popular type of cigar, typically measuring around 6½ inches with a ring gauge of 52-54. Torpedos get their name from their shape which somewhat resembles a torpedo—it's slightly tapered at one end while the other end flares outwards. The taper allows for an even burn, while the flared end allows more smoke to pass through as you draw on it.

Wrapper

The outermost layer of a cigar. Depending on the type of tobacco used and the conditions under which it's grown, wrappers can vary from light brown to dark chocolate in color. Knowing the wrapper can give an indication of the flavor profile of a particular cigar.

Learn More Cigar-related Terminology at the North of Havana Cigar Lounge!

As you become more familiar with cigar lounges you will find yourself exposed to even more unique terminology that may not have been mentioned here today! Don't be afraid if something sounds unfamiliar; chances are other people around you might be just as curious about what it means too! Ultimately though these terms are all just shorthand ways for people who share a passion for cigars and good company together in enjoying them! So don't let any foreign-sounding words stop you from joining in on conversations at your local cigar lounge! Enjoy!