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We’ve all seen the stereotype businessman, gangster boss, drugs baron, politician. On TV, in movies, smoking a very large cigar with every evidence of enjoyment. Just what is it about cigars that we associate them with wealth and success, and why are they such a success symbol?

Basics, a cigar is just a rolled up tube of dried and fermented tobacco leaves. The smoke from a cigar is much deeper and more flavoursome than that of most ordinary cigarettes. Much of this tobacco is grown in tropical climates.

Countries which are known for cigars are Brazil, Cuba of course, Honduras, and Mexico. It is generally considered by connoisseurs that Cuban cigars are the best. Although those made in Honduras and Nicaragua give them a run for their money.

Originally cigars were extremely expensive and were the preserve of the wealthy and famous, often confined to “smokers” where politicians and other influential people, business magnates etc. would meet and discuss important affairs Baron GANGSTER FENDER FRONT FG – Yamaha V-Star 1100 whilst smoking cigars.

In the 1960′s, when the U.S. declared the embargo on all things Cuban. It was instrumental in driving up the price of cigars in general. Cubans being illegal in the states. Keeping cigars the preserve of wealthy individuals who could afford them.

Since those days prices have gradually dropped in real terms, making them affordable for people who would otherwise be unable to smoke them. Cigar devotees swear by the taste of their particular brand, saying that they are less harsh than cigarettes, and can even be flavoured to taste.

The manufacture of cigars is relatively simple. The tobacco leaves (the best of the crop naturally) are harvested and then aged. The ageing process involves alternately turning them in sun and shade. This lowers the moisture content without rotting. They are then allowed to ferment, the process strictly controlled to avoid rot.

After this the leaves are sorted into those which will be the filling and those which will be the wrapper. At this stage the leaves still contain a little moisture, but are dry enough to require careful handling. When the sorting process is done a skilled cigar maker will roll the best cigars by hand. I cannot vouch for the old tale that they are rolled on a dusky maidens thigh!

The flavour of a cigar is determined by the variety of leaf used for the wrapper and the filler. Most commercial brands of cigar are a mixture of several, usually a trade secret. Other flavours can be introduced by infusing the filler material with various substances. You can even get a whiskey flavoured cigar.

Cigars should never be allowed to dry out. They are best kept in a special container, a humidor, which keeps them at room temperature and retains the humidity.

Still seen as the preserve of the more well-to-do, they retain their magic and mystique today. Although, not wishing to burst your bubble, they contain more carcinogens than cigarettes, and will surely kill you just as well!