Cigar Manufacturing & Production Processes Flashcards

What is the 'triple cap' construction technique used in premium cigar manufacturing?

Answer: A finishing technique where three circular pieces of wrapper are applied to the cigar head

The triple cap involves applying three circular pieces of wrapper leaf to the head of the cigar, creating a clean, polished appearance and a durable, well-sealed finish considered a mark of skilled craftsmanship.

What does the 'Cuban sandwich' filler arrangement refer to in hand-rolling?

Answer: Folding filler leaves lengthwise and stacking them in parallel before rolling

The 'Cuban sandwich' method involves folding and stacking filler leaves lengthwise in parallel, which promotes an even burn and consistent draw; it is the traditional Cuban rolling style.

What is the 'entubar' filler rolling technique?

Answer: A technique where individual filler leaves are each rolled into tubes and then bundled together

'Entubar' (from 'tubo,' meaning tube) involves rolling each filler leaf individually into a tube shape and bundling these tubes together, which maximizes airflow and creates an excellent, open draw.

What is a 'chaveta' used for in cigar manufacturing?

Answer: The flat half-moon shaped knife used by rollers to cut and trim wrapper leaves

The chaveta is the distinctive flat, half-moon shaped blade used by cigar rollers (torcedores) to precisely cut and trim wrapper leaves to the shape needed for rolling.

What is the 'galera' in a traditional cigar factory?

Answer: The main rolling room where skilled torcedores hand-roll cigars

The 'galera' is the main rolling room of a cigar factory where torcedores (skilled rollers) work; traditionally, a reader (lector) would read aloud to the workers to entertain them throughout the day.

What is 'casamiento' in the context of tobacco blending?

Answer: The blending of tobacco leaves from different countries or regions in a single cigar

'Casamiento' (Spanish for 'marriage') refers to combining tobacco leaves from different countries or growing regions in a single cigar blend to achieve complementary flavor characteristics.

What does a guillotine (straight) cutter do to a cigar before smoking?

Answer: It slices straight across the cap to create a clean, flat opening

A guillotine cutter makes a clean, flat, straight cut across the cap of the cigar, creating an even opening for a smooth, unrestricted draw.