A cigar is mainly composed of three parts:
- Head: the part that we bring to the lips to draw. In premium cigars it is closed and must be cut.
- Foot: it is the part opposite to the head, the one to which we will bring the flame to light the cigar.
- Body: it is between the head and the foot and it is the part we hold between the fingers.
Inside the cigar, there are three other parts, which have mechanical and partly aesthetic functionalities:
- Filler or tripa: leaves arranged lengthwise, that give the cigar strength and most of the aromas. It can seen observing the cigar foot.
- Binder or capote: it is better looking than the filler leaf, but mainly has excellent elastic characteristics. It encloses the filler. In some cigars use two binders.
- Wrapper or capa: the leaf with the highest cost, chosen for its aromatic, mechanical (elasticity) and aesthetic characteristics. It is the leaf we see and touch.
The filler, which is composed of several leaves, is made by the torcedor according to a precise positioning. In fact, the leaves must be placed so that the cigar has an excellent draw (for this reason they are folded like an accordion or rolled up on themselves), but also the leaves that burn slower must be carefully placed (the ligero, the highest leaves, in the tobacco plant) in the center of the cigar. If this aspect is not taken done carefully, problems will occur and you will be faced with burn and combustion issues (listed here).