CRT Cigar Manufacturing & Production Processes 3

Question 1

What is 'marrying' in the context of cigar production?

Accepted Answer

Allowing boxed cigars to rest together so flavors harmonize before shipping

Answer

'Marrying' refers to allowing finished, boxed cigars to rest in a controlled environment so the various tobaccos in the blend can harmonize and the overall flavor profile can stabilize before the product is shipped.

Question 2

What is tobacco 'fermentation' in leaf processing?

Accepted Answer

A controlled heat and moisture process that breaks down starches and reduces harshness

Answer

Fermentation is a controlled process where tobacco leaves are stacked in pilónes, generating heat and moisture that break down starches, reduce harshness and ammonia, and develop complex flavors.

Question 3

What is a 'pilón' in tobacco processing?

Accepted Answer

A large bulk pile of tobacco leaves assembled for the fermentation process

Answer

A pilón is a large bulk pile of tobacco leaves (sometimes thousands of pounds) assembled during fermentation, where microbial activity generates the internal heat that drives the fermentation process.

Question 4

What does 'ligero' refer to in tobacco leaf classification by plant position?

Accepted Answer

A strong, slow-burning leaf from the top of the plant with the most sun exposure

Answer

'Ligero' (Spanish for 'light,' somewhat counterintuitively) refers to leaves from the top of the tobacco plant that receive the most sunlight, making them the strongest, richest in oils, and slowest-burning leaves in filler blends.

Question 5

What is 'seco' leaf in tobacco classification?

Accepted Answer

Medium-bodied, combustion-promoting leaves from the middle section of the plant

Answer

'Seco' (Spanish for 'dry') refers to tobacco leaves from the middle section of the plant, valued for their good combustion properties and balanced medium body in blended fillers.

(CRT) Certified Retail Tobacconist Practice Test

(CRT) Certified Retail Tobacconist Practice Test

CRT Cigar Manufacturing & Production Processes 3