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Blend a Cigar in Five (Not So) Simple Steps

Filed under: Cigars

You cut your cigar, put a flame to the other end and experience a collection of tastes that is unique and fulfilling. But, have you ever thought about what makes it all possible? I'm not talking about the broad strokes. Sure, there's a guy who picks the leaves, another who roles them and so on. It doesn't take much to figure that out. Rather, I'm talking about the real details ... such as knowing to look for a leaf that may not be as long as the others, which can alter the flavor at the foot (or lead to intensity toward the end).

Blending and rolling is both art and science – we all know that – but the detail and care required likely exceeds your imagination. I've sat at a rolling table (briefly, on two occasions) and have a new appreciation for what goes into this task. When I sat in a conference room at the La Aurora factory in Santiago, Dominican Republic, though, I got a feel for the role of choice in constructing a cigar. And, to be honest, I was terrified. Making a great cigar doesn't start with the rollers: it begins with the arbiters of taste.

How do they do it? Here are five steps that may look easy on your screen, but they are terribly difficult in practice (especially with my palate).

Gallery: Developing a Cigar Blend at La Aurora