Cigar Smoking Glossary for Beginners

This glossary explains the essential cigar terms every beginner runs into, from the parts of the cigar to the words used in shops and reviews. Keep it handy while you learn; once these terms click, the rest of the hobby is much easier to follow.

Parts of the cigar

• Wrapper: the outer leaf; it shapes much of the flavor and all of the appearance.
• Binder: the leaf under the wrapper that holds the filler together.
• Filler: the bundle of leaves at the core that provides most of the smoke.
• Head: the closed end you cut and draw from.
• Cap: the small piece of leaf sealing the head; you cut just above it.
• Foot: the open end you light.
• Band: the paper ring identifying the brand.

Size and shape

• Ring gauge: the cigar's diameter in 64ths of an inch (a 50 ring gauge is 50/64 inch thick).
• Vitola: a cigar's specific size and shape (for example Robusto, Toro, Churchill).
• Parejo: a straight-sided cigar with a rounded cap.
• Figurado: a shaped cigar such as a torpedo or belicoso.
• Robusto: a popular beginner size, around 5 inches by 50 ring gauge.

Tobacco and flavor

• Body: how strong and intense a cigar feels, from mild to full.
• Long filler: whole leaves running the cigar's length; mark of a premium handmade cigar.
• Short filler: chopped scraps used in cheaper cigars.
• Maduro: a dark, often sweeter wrapper cured longer.
• Connecticut Shade: a light, smooth, mild wrapper popular with beginners.

Technique terms

• Draw: how easily air (and smoke) pulls through the cigar.
• Toasting: gently warming the foot before lighting for an even burn.
• Retrohale: pushing a little smoke out through the nose to taste aroma.
• Purge: blowing gently outward through the cigar to clear stale smoke.
• Nub: the last small stub of a cigar.

Storage terms

• Humidor: a sealed box that keeps cigars at stable humidity.
• Hygrometer: the gauge that measures humidity inside a humidor.
• Seasoning: preparing a new humidor so the wood does not dry out cigars.
• Plume: harmless white crystalline dust from aging (not mold).

Where to go next

Ready to go deeper? See cigar anatomy explained, the ring gauge and size guide, and the cigar strength guide. New to it all? Start with the beginner's guide.