CRT Tobacco History & Origins Flashcards

When tobacco was first brought to Spain from the Americas in the early 16th century, it was promoted primarily for what purpose?

Answer: Medicinal use

Early European physicians promoted tobacco as a medicinal plant believed to cure a wide range of ailments, which drove its initial popularity in Spain.

The Cuban tobacco variety 'Corojo' is traditionally used for which part of the cigar?

Answer: Wrapper leaf

Corojo tobacco is prized for its oily, silky texture and is traditionally selected as the outermost wrapper leaf in premium Cuban-style cigars.

What is the primary purpose of aging tobacco before rolling premium cigars?

Answer: Reduce harshness and develop complex flavors

Aging allows harsh ammonia compounds to dissipate and encourages complex flavor development through enzymatic and chemical activity within the leaf.

Which island nation dominated the premium cigar market before the 1959 revolution?

Answer: Cuba

Cuba dominated the global premium cigar market for centuries until nationalization of tobacco industries and the subsequent US trade embargo disrupted its exports.

What was the primary effect of the 1962 US embargo on Cuba on the American premium cigar market?

Answer: Cuban cigar makers emigrated and established new premium industries in other countries

The embargo caused skilled Cuban tabaqueros to emigrate to the Dominican Republic, Honduras, and Nicaragua, bringing Cuban seed tobacco and expertise that built new premium cigar industries.

What does the term 'Cuban seed' mean when used to describe tobacco grown outside of Cuba?

Answer: Tobacco grown from seeds with Cuban genetic lineage, regardless of where it is cultivated

Cuban seed refers to tobacco grown from seeds descended from original Cuban varieties, now cultivated in countries like Nicaragua and Dominican Republic to produce similar flavor profiles.