Other methods of cigar manufacture
In our previous article, we featured the making of a totally handmade long filler. Here, we look at two other methods of manufacture.
Totally by hand, short filler technique
The trimmings from the bunches of long-filler cigars are combined with other selected chopped tobaccos to create the blends for short-filler Habanos.
The Torcedor rolls the filler into full-length binder leaves with the aid of a flexible mat fixed to his bench to form a firm bunch. The wrapper is applied by hand in the normal fashion.
Machine-made cigars
Since the 1950’s some cigars have been made in Cuba by machines.
At times, in the past, machine-made cigars were also referred to as Habanos.
But now, the Habanos title is awarded solely to cigars made totally by hand.
Source: Habanos
Earlier articles:
Processing sun-grown leaf for Habano fillers and binders
Shade-grown leaf for Habano wrappers
Nothing lesser than the best leaf for a Habano
Too wet, too dry, infestation issues
The ritual of cutting, lighting and smoking a Habano
The leaves that clothe the body
Cohiba: Fidel Castro’s all-time favourite cigar