Cigars have long been associated with luxury, sophistication, and premium hospitality experiences. In the food and beverage department of the hotel industry, cigars are not just tobacco products; they are part of a refined service offering that enhances guest satisfaction. The tradition of cigar smoking dates back to ancient civilizations such as the Mayans and was later popularized in Europe after Christopher Columbus introduced tobacco from the Americas.
In hospitality, especially in high-end hotels, cigars are often served in cigar lounges, bars, or exclusive smoking areas. The role of the food and beverage department is to ensure proper storage, presentation, and service of cigars, maintaining their quality and flavor. French terms such as terroir (origin environment), vitole (cigar size), and arôme (flavor profile) are frequently used in cigar discussions, adding elegance and technical depth.
Globally, the cigar market is significant. According to industry estimates, the global cigar and cigarillo market is valued at over $20 billion, with premium cigars contributing a substantial share. This makes it important for hospitality professionals to understand cigars deeply, including their types, classifications, and storage methods.
Definition and Origin of Cigars
A cigar is a rolled bundle of dried and fermented tobacco leaves designed to be smoked. Unlike cigarettes, cigars are larger, more complex in flavor, and often handcrafted. The word “cigar” is believed to have originated from the Mayan word “sikar,” meaning “to smoke rolled tobacco.”
Cigars consist of three main parts:
- Filler (Tripa) – The inner tobacco leaves that determine flavor.
- Binder (Capote) – Holds the filler together.
- Wrapper (Capa) – The outer leaf that defines appearance and contributes to taste.
Cuba is considered the birthplace of premium cigars, and Cuban cigars are still regarded as the finest due to their unique terroir. Other major cigar-producing countries include the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Honduras.
Classification of Cigars Based on Size (Vitole)
Cigar size, known as vitole in French terminology, is one of the most important classification criteria. It affects smoking time, flavor intensity, and overall experience.
Major Types of Cigars Based on Size
- Corona – A classic size measuring about 5.5 to 6 inches with a ring gauge of 42–44. It provides a balanced smoking experience lasting around 45 minutes.
- Robusto – Shorter and thicker than Corona, typically 4.5 to 5 inches. It delivers a richer flavor due to its thicker gauge and is very popular in hotels.
- Churchill – Named after Winston Churchill, this cigar is long (7 inches) and offers a slow, refined smoking experience of over an hour.
- Toro – Slightly longer than Robusto, around 6 inches. It balances flavor and duration, making it ideal for guests who want a medium-length session.
- Panetela – Long and thin cigars, offering a quick smoke with concentrated flavors.
- Lonsdale – Elegant and slim, offering a refined and lighter smoking experience.
- Giant (Double Corona) – Large cigars that can last up to 2 hours, often served in luxury lounges.
- Petit Corona – Smaller version of Corona, ideal for quick smoking sessions.
- Belicoso – Medium-length cigar with a tapered head, offering complex flavors.
- Figurado – Irregular shapes, often handcrafted, providing unique smoking experiences.
Each size affects combustion, draw, and flavor intensity. For example, thicker cigars generally burn cooler and produce more smoke, enhancing flavor complexity.
Classification of Cigars Based on Appearance
The appearance of a cigar plays a crucial role in its appeal. In hospitality, presentation is as important as taste.
Types Based on Appearance
- Parejo – Straight-sided cigars with a uniform shape. These are the most common and easy to smoke.
- Figurado – Irregular shapes such as tapered ends, adding uniqueness and craftsmanship value.
- Perfecto – Bulging center with tapered ends, often associated with premium quality.
- Torpedo – Pointed head, allowing controlled smoke flow.
- Pyramid – Wide base narrowing to a pointed tip, offering concentrated flavors.
- Culebra – Braided cigars, traditionally shared among friends.
- Box-Pressed – Square-shaped cigars, easier to hold and store.
- Lancero – Long and thin with elegant appearance.
- Double Figurado – Both ends tapered, requiring skill to produce.
- Short Figurado – Smaller irregular cigars for quick luxury smoking.
Appearance influences not just aesthetics but also airflow and burning characteristics.
Classification of Cigars Based on Wrapper Color
Wrapper color, known as capa, indicates flavor intensity and aging.
Types Based on Color
- Claro – Light greenish color, mild flavor.
- Colorado Claro – Light brown, slightly richer taste.
- Colorado – Medium brown, balanced flavor.
- Colorado Maduro – Dark brown, richer profile.
- Maduro – Very dark, sweet and full-bodied.
- Oscuro – Almost black, very strong flavor.
- Candela – Bright green, unique grassy taste.
- Rosado – Reddish hue, smooth flavor.
- Natural – Untreated wrapper, authentic taste.
- Sun-Grown – Grown under sunlight, bold flavor.
Color reflects fermentation and aging processes, which directly impact taste.
Internal Classification of Cigars Based on Tobacco Composition
The internal composition determines the cigar’s flavor complexity.
Types Based on Tobacco
- Long Filler Cigars – Made with whole leaves, offering premium quality.
- Short Filler Cigars – Made from chopped tobacco, more affordable.
- Mixed Filler – Combination of long and short fillers.
- Single Origin Cigars – Tobacco from one region.
- Blended Cigars – Tobacco from multiple regions.
- Handmade Cigars – Crafted by skilled artisans.
- Machine-Made Cigars – Mass-produced.
- Premium Cigars – High-quality handmade cigars.
- Flavored Cigars – Infused with flavors like vanilla or cherry.
- Organic Cigars – Made without chemicals.
Premium hotels usually prefer handmade, long filler cigars due to their superior quality.
Storage of Cigars in the Food and Beverage Department
Proper storage is critical to maintaining cigar quality. Cigars are highly sensitive to humidity and temperature.
Importance of Cigar Storage
Cigars must be stored in a controlled environment called a humidor. The ideal conditions are:
- Temperature: 18–21°C
- Humidity: 65–72%
Improper storage can lead to:
- Dry cigars (loss of flavor)
- Mold growth
- Uneven burning
Types of Storage Methods
- Desktop Humidor – Small storage for limited cigars.
- Cabinet Humidor – Large storage used in hotels.
- Walk-in Humidor – Luxury feature in premium hotels.
- Travel Humidor – Portable storage.
- Electronic Humidor – Maintains precise conditions.
- Glass-Top Humidor – For display purposes.
- Spanish Cedar Humidor – Enhances flavor.
- Climate-Controlled Rooms – Advanced storage.
- Cigar Lockers – Personalized guest storage.
- Wine Cellar Adaptation – Used for cigar aging.
Hotels often invest in walk-in humidors to provide a premium guest experience.
Role of the Food and Beverage Department in Cigar Service
The food and beverage department is responsible for offering cigars as part of luxury service.
Key responsibilities include:
- Maintaining proper storage conditions
- Training staff in cigar service
- Pairing cigars with beverages like whiskey and cognac
- Ensuring legal compliance
- Providing guest education
Cigar service is often paired with premium drinks. For example, a Maduro cigar pairs well with aged whiskey due to its strong flavor.
Advantages of Offering Cigars in Hotels
- Enhances luxury image
- Increases revenue
- Attracts premium clientele
- Improves guest satisfaction
- Supports beverage sales
- Creates unique experiences
- Encourages longer guest stays
- Builds brand identity
- Adds exclusivity
- Provides upselling opportunities
Hotels with cigar lounges often report higher guest spending in the F&B department.
Challenges in Cigar Management
Managing cigars also comes with challenges such as:
- High cost of premium cigars
- Strict smoking regulations
- Storage maintenance
- Staff training requirements
- Limited customer base
Despite these challenges, proper management can lead to high profitability.
Conclusion
Cigars play an important role in the food and beverage department of luxury hotels. Understanding their classification based on size (vitole), appearance, wrapper color, and composition is essential for delivering a high-quality guest experience. Proper storage using humidors ensures that cigars maintain their flavor and quality. When managed correctly, cigars not only enhance the hotel’s image but also contribute significantly to revenue and guest satisfaction.
FAQs (High Search Volume Questions)
1. What are the main types of cigars based on size?
The main types include Corona, Robusto, Churchill, Toro, and Panetela, each offering different smoking durations and flavor intensities.
2. How should cigars be stored in hotels?
Cigars should be stored in a humidor at 65–72% humidity and 18–21°C temperature to maintain quality.
3. What is the difference between Parejo and Figurado cigars?
Parejo cigars have straight sides, while Figurado cigars have irregular shapes like tapered ends.
4. Why is cigar wrapper color important?
Wrapper color indicates the strength and flavor profile of the cigar, ranging from mild to strong.
5. What is a humidor and why is it important?
A humidor is a storage box that maintains humidity levels, preventing cigars from drying out or developing mold.
