Growing "Cigar" Tobacco In Missouri: By Danica Baird, CMT

 “What do you think?” Corey asked me when I stepped foot onto the open empty field. It was a warm Saturday morning in May, and I had no idea what my expectations were or how taking this risk would become one of the greatest learning experiences I ever had. I simply smiled, “We will see.” Like many things in life, patience and hard work can cultivate a lot of results. Growing tobacco can bring this to the surface. I was taught on how to grow tobacco in the Northwest corner of Missouri, in a small town called Dearborn. I learned techniques from the Dominican way and good old American ingenuity. Also, by a mix of machines and hands-on throughout the process.

To say I was optimistic was a bit of an understatement. As I observed the open field there were no mountains, this wasn’t a valley by any means… So, no nutrient erosion. Was it hot? Yes. But what about the soil? Was it good enough to sustain and grow good hearty tobacco? This spot of land had a slight slope and little to no tree coverage around the perimeter. The slope helped on rainy days distribute the water absorbed into the soil richly among the plants.  The soil in this area is heavy clay loam to sandy with high organic matter which helps the area grow a variety of healthy crops. Corey described the land has been decent to tend but is also learning about what varietal of tobacco grows the best. This year was Broadleaf. The land was owned by the city of Dearborn and was next to the water waste lake and a large creek. Just to the East there was a small corn field and some city buildings… let’s just say I was given GPS coordinates to get to the location.

Corey is Corey Frisbee, who started Weston Tobacco in 2010 with his son Colton. More like brothers than father and son; they worked together with very little to build a small, humble, homegrown business, that became a staple in the area. After Colton’s tragic passing, Corey couldn’t step foot back into Weston again but the passion he developed for tobacco continued to burn in him. He knew he needed to continue working with tobacco in some capacity and thus I encountered him on his third year of growing Missouri tobacco.

Every weekend from May to August I traveled to Dearborn and met with Corey to pick his brain about cigars and tobacco, as well as to learn all the hands-on farming. The field we would be planting on had grown everything from corn to hemp. During the off seasons Corey said they picked something that wouldn’t change the soil or need too much caring for. We prepped the soil by cultivating it by machine and by hand. The land was cultivated every week for several weeks before planting to ensure impurities such as old crop, sticks, rocks, and weeds were all removed. The field was also walked by foot to double check for these impurities prior to growing. There weren’t any chemicals added to the soil prior to planting. We ensured there were stacked mounds for the plants to be implanted on. We used a hand fed mechanical planter to drop the plants. Some of us would walk behind and ensure the plants were standing tall and hand planting the missed spots.

Throughout the coming weeks I would hoe the field by hand, pull weeds, cut the grass, cut off suckers, top the plants, even add a chemical that sealed the top where it was topped to help the tobacco continue to grow. Over the last couple of weeks in August we stalk cut the plants. Corey said in his experience stalk cutting Broadleaf was best. So, we cut and spike the plants on lathes before barn hanging them. It should be noted that as I write this, the plants are still hanging in the air-curing barn until about Thanksgiving when they will be packaged and sent to Hail and Cotton in Tennessee as well as several other vendors who purchased it.

To give a broader perspective, after planting, the following weeks we began to really work and mind the fields. This was done by hoeing the mounds around the plants, making sure they had enough soil around to develop a sturdy, healthy base of the stalk. We continued to check for land impurities by walking the 3 acres by foot and checking every planted row. As the plants began to grow, they would sprout suckers or second shoots. In the next week we patrolled by foot again and took these off. It was important to do this for a strong base and to ensure the tobacco leaves have the best chance at proper growth and nutrient enrichments you need only one base or stalk.

Until the leaves reached a point of topping, this tending was completed every week. We also included tending to the surrounding area by mowing the grass and ensuring we had walking rows. Every week as the plants continued to grow, we would add another part of the tending. Pulling weeds and cutting excess plants became a part of those weeks. When the plants became about 3-4 feet tall, they sprouted their flowers at the top. That week was topping week. Using hatchets, we walked the field and cut off the flowers along with suckers. Another group would walk behind us and spray a specific non-toxic chemical that would “seal” the spot where the plant was cut in order to keep more from growing and ensure the plant nutrients remained. This is the only chemical that we ever added during the tobacco growing process.

In the last week of July and first weeks of August we began to stalk cut and hang. Now around 9 weeks after we first planted, after all the tending and pruning, it was time to cut. Stalk cutting caused a longer curingprocess, however it allows the tobacco to have a deeper, richer flavor. Stalk cutting is the process of cutting the full tobacco plant several inches from where the stalk meets the ground and spearing it on a lathe. The lathe is a large wooden stick, at the end of this stick would be a metal, cylinder-shaped, removable spike. This is actually a very dangerous process, says the new scars on my hand and forearm… If you are not standing on the proper section of the spike, you can easily get impaled when pushing the stalk onto the lathe.

Over the last several months of working on the field I became very humbled by the process. To work with the soil and plants by hand, to see everything I read and watched put into practice was rewarding. I can say it was a unique experience. While working on the field I also continued my education. Studying Cigars 101 and earning my Certified Cigar Sommelier Tobacconist (CCST) and Certified Retail Tobacconist (CRT) degrees from Tobacconist University. I also produced and taught a Cigar 101 class for the cigar lounge I work at.

I spent the last 12 years as a law enforcement officer in Kansas before taking a medical retirement last December. During my time there I saw and experienced things that are hard to describe. To say I suffered mentally is an understatement. I needed something to help me heal, something to give me purpose. Cigars did that, growing tobacco did that, learning to roll did that. Rolling has very quickly become a deep passion. Devin Ashley of Bad Ash Cigars was my first teacher, followed by Corey. I still have my first rolled cigar!

This regal life within the cigar world can give you a purpose if you are looking for one. It can also give you peace. I’ve met some fascinating, passionate, adoring people within this culture. No matter the path we find ourselves on we can always find an outlet in the cigar way of life.

Culebra: A Definitive Guide to an Unusual Cigar

Christina Fontecchio, CMT #1962

CMT Academic Contribution

Culebra: A Definitive Guide to an Unusual Cigar

 



Introduction

The “Culebra” is a cigar that has been largely an enigma. Various myths and stories have been circulated regarding its history, purpose and production, but few, if any, credible sources have been cited to confirm the purported facts.

Recently, I set out to find the historical facts about Culebra cigars. In this article I will explore the early history and origins of the Culebra and I will discuss the processes for producing these unique cigars.

After searching through numerous articles, books, magazines, newspapers and the World Wide Web, I still don’t have all the answers. However, I can provide some solid resources to back up the statements that you will read below.

Historical Origins

Culebra is the Spanish word for “snake” and a finished Culebra looks like a group of snakes that are coiled together and tied off on each end. Culebras are usually constructed of 3 or 4 under-filled Panatelas, braided together and tied off at each end so they hold their shape.

The oldest and most definitive statement as to the origins of Culebras comes from an article written in New Zealand’s Auckland Star, which confirmed that, the Compañia General de Tabacos Filipinas (est. 1881) was already producing Culebras by 1890. Min Ron Nee (2003) in his book, An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Post-Revolution Havana Cigars agreed: “[The Culebra] first appeared in the Philippines circa mid-19th Century, a Philippines cigar industry invention.”

However, there is also evidence that Culebras were being made in the U.S. at least as far back as 1890. Noted cigar historian, Tony Hyman (2014), produced a photo of a cigar box (circa 1890) that once contained Culebras produced by the F.P. Filbert Cigar Company in Eaton, Ohio called “Filbert’s Twisters,” a 3-cigar Culebra (see illustration below). Tony had other examples including A. C. Brenkle Company’s “Twisted Smoke,” a 4-cigar Culebra made in 1914 and the “Cuban Twist,” a 3-cigar Culebra made in Wisconsin in the 1920’s (see illustration below). Since Culebras likely originated in the Philippines (Auckland Star, 1890 and Nee 2003) and with evidence of the cigars being manufactured in the U.S. as far back as 1890, it seems reasonable to conclude that the Culebra originated no later than 1885 and most likely between 1880-1885.

 

Purpose of Culebra: Why Were These Cigars Made?

There are many views as to why Culebras were made. One account suggests that Culebras helped to prevent thievery or black market after sales by factory workers (Tobacconist University):

Traditionally, factories have allowed their rollers a daily ration of cigars; but managers had little control over how much one person could consume. The Culebras is an underfilled cigar that retains its rustic ‘snake-like’ shape after it has been unbraided. This visible hallmark gave managers an ingenious method to ration and control employee consumption.

Via personal email correspondence, Tony Hyman stated, “That may be the ‘story’ but in viewing hundreds of pictures of Cuban factory workers, I’ve yet to see anyone smoking Culebras.” Nee (2003) also noted that, since the number of factory rejects far outnumbered the ration of cigars per day per roller, it would be cost-inefficient to allow the rollers to make such a specialty cigar rather than just letting them smoke the factory rejects. No doubt there were thieves in the industry, but making Culebras would not be an efficient way to solve the problem given that would-be thieves could simply make more Culebras to easily thwart a rationing system.

 

Nee (2003) has suggested that Culebras were considered by the Philippine cigar industry as a form of packaging rather than an individual vitola. “Culebras were created based on the theory that a thicker cigar can mature better. The Culebras was designed to enable a small ring gauge cigar to mature as well as a thick ring gauge cigar.” However, if putting small ring gauge cigars together was for the purpose of helping them mature better, then boxing or bundling those cigars in groups of 20, 25, or 50 would achieve the same purpose AND more efficiently. 

The more likely answer was that Culebra was a novelty form of packaging. Based on the 1890 article in the Auckland Star, the Culebra was, “A novelty… formed of three cigars plaited together.”

 

Nee (2003) also stated, “The Cuban cigar industry never took the Culebras seriously and very few Culebras were manufactured in the pre and post-Revolution era.” He further notes that, the Cuban H. Upmann, Romeo y Julieta and Partagás were the only brands that had produced them since the Revolution.

The rarity of Culebras in the Cuban cigar industry demonstrates that the cigar was intended more for novelty than anything else. Even in the U.S., Hyman (2014) has stated simply, “It's a novelty, like Crooks, Flats, Bends, Immense, Bang-Tails, Pegged [all historical names of cigar brands], etc.”

Master Roller Vicente Perez of Don Vicente Cigars International remembers being taught by his father to make Culebras. He said it was not something that he remembers being rolled regularly and, thus, fell into the novelty category.

How Culebras are Constructed and Smoked

Vicente Perez explained that Culebras are made by starting with 3-4 panatela-sized cigars that are purposely under-filled to allow the cigars to be braided without cracking or breaking the wrapper on the cigars. The tobacco must be moistened more than usual so that they remain flexible and are easily braided without ruining the wrappers or the cigars.

The individual cigars are tied with a ribbon or string, placed about ½” down from the caps of the cigars to hold them in place. Then, the cigars are braided together with the number of twists in the braid being determined by the length of the individual cigars (the longer the cigars, the more twists). Once the cigars are braided all the way, a second ribbon or string is tied about ½” up from the foot of the cigars. The tying of the cigars together will allow them to retain their new shape, while aging. Some manufacturers will put cigar bands on the Culebras and some don’t, it depends on the roller or company. Some rollers will place a large cap over the top of all three cigars as a more elegant finish.

 

Once the cigars are aged and ready to smoke, any cap over the end will be removed and the ribbons or strings will be removed from the cigars. You can separate the Culebras and smoke each cigar individually. Although you can leave the cigars bound together and smoke them all at once, Culebras should be smoked individually and shared among friends.

It’s amazing that the cigars have an easy draw, even though they remain in their new bent shape. They may look a bit funny or interesting, but they can be a very enjoyable cigar and can become the talk of any Herf.

 

Conclusion

Culebras have been around since the 1800’s and were invented by the Philippine cigar industry as a novelty form of cigar packaging. There are several myths about how Culebras may have been used as a form of rationing and control over inventory and sales to the black market, but these stories are not well documented.

When I started out on my quest to find out more about Culebras, I was baffled at how little factual information is out there regarding Cuban rolled Culebras. I was able to find no sources that confirmed when Culebras were initially made in Cuba.

I have personally spoken to three different Cuban rollers about the Culebra in the Cuban cigar industry. Rosa Peña, rolled in the Cuban Cohiba factory (El Laguito) for 33 years (post-revolution), Agapito Torres worked in the Romeo y Julieta factory pre-revolution and Vicente Perez’ father rolled in the Romeo y Julieta and H. Upmann factories pre-revolution. None of them remember Culebras being rolled in those factories during the years they worked there.

Nee, stated that Culebras are very rare in Cuba and that, since the Revolution, only three brands have produced them: H. Upmann, Romeo y Julieta and Partagás (Nee, 2003).

I have always been intrigued with Culebras. The fact that they smoke very well, even in their bent state, is an amazing feat of the cigar rolling craft. Each Culebra, whether it’s a 3- or 4-cigar Culebra, can be separated and shared among 3-4 people. It’s like having a small, braided mini Herf ready to happen. It’s always more fun to smoke with friends and enjoy and share the flavors and nuances of a fine cigar and the Culebra provides a ready means to do so.

Some Current Regular Production and/or Limited Production Culebras

Brun del Ré: Culebra Grande (7 x 44), Culebra Pequeña (5.75 x 26)

Davidoff: Special C (6.5 x 33)

Drew Estate: Medusa (6 x 44)

Illusione: Illusione 23 “tre in uno” (6.5 x 33)

Johnny-O!: A Culebra (9.5 X 47), Culebra (7 X 44), Churchill Culebra (8 X 47), Forbidden Xtasy (6.5 X 42), Magnum (7 X 47), Gold Medal (6.5 X 42).

La Flor Dominicana: Culebra Especial (6.5 x 30), Culebra Gorda (6.5 x 38), Double Ligero Culebras (7.5 x 39) [Limited to Puff  ‘N’ Stuff]

Partagas (Cuba): Culebra (5.625 x 39)

Tatuaje: Tatuaje Black, “The Old Man and the C” (7.5 x 38), El Triunfador “The Old Man and the C” (7.5 x 38)

REFERENCES:

Auckland Star (1980). Volume XXI, Issue 150, (26 June 1890), page 5.

Cigar Press Magazine Online (June, 2010). Culebra Cigars. Accessed July 6, 2014. Available at: http://cigarpress.com/Culebra-cigars

Habanos S.A. website. Available at: http://www.habanos.com/article.aspx?aid=270&lang=en

Nee, M. R. (2003). An Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Post-Revolution Havana Cigars (Jan. 2003, pg. 94).

Tobacconist University website. Tobacco College: Cigar Shapes & Sizes. Accessed July 6, 2014. Available at: http://www.tobacconistuniversity.org/curriculum_tobacco_college_shapes2.php

Personal Interviews (All interviews took place between June 16 and July 11, 2014)

Tony Hyman is a Cigar Historian and Curator of the National Cigar Museum. Website available at: http://www.Cigarhistory.info

Rosa Peña works at Don Vicente Cigars, Las Vegas Nevada. Rosa has been a cigar roller for 48 years. She rolled at the El Laguito factory (Cohiba) in Cuba for 33 years. Subsequently, she left Cuba and rolled at the Graycliff factory in the Bahamas for 11 years and then moved to Las Vegas and is currently rolling at Don Vicente Cigars.

Vicente Perez is owner of Don Vicente Cigars, Las Vegas Nevada. Vicente learned to roll from his father, Victoriano Perez Montego, who rolled at the Romeo y Julieta and H. Upmann factories in Cuba. He has been rolling for 30+ years.

Agapito Torres rolled in Cuba in the Romeo y Julieta factory (pre-revolution).

 

Fresh Rolled Cigars - Smoke Fresh Or Wait?

Rob Roth, CMT Contribution

Certified Master Tobacconist #1801

Fresh Rolled Cigars-Smoke Fresh or Wait?

What is a fresh rolled cigar? A fresh rolled cigar is a cigar that is handed to you by the roller or rolled within a couple of hours. Although not for everyone, I think every lover of the leaf should experience a truly fresh rolled cigar. A fresh rolled cigar has unique characteristics that are only found straight from the table. The flavor and characteristics of a fresh rolled cigar cannot be obtained any other way. Many will argue that a fresh rolled cigar is too moist because wrapper and binder tobaccos are at humidity levels much higher than 70% RH for rolling purposes.  Obviously, this is a personal opinion that must be experienced individually.

Is it worth waiting a few days to let the moisture content ease? One word, NO! Once the cigar moisture content begins to subside the wrapper leaf and binder leaf become bitter and unpleasant. This period is referred by many as the “sick period”. This causes the natural by-product of ammonia. Not a pleasant smoking attribute. As the sick period begins, it helps the filler and binder tobaccos to meld with the wrapper leaf to complete the blending process. Many in the industry refer to this stage as marrying. Once the marrying process begins the tobaccos get “sick” (sound familiar?). This sickness typically starts around 24 hours after the wrapper leaf has been rolled onto the bunch and last about 60 days. During this period the tobaccos are settling, seeking humidity equilibrium, and releasing ammonia and other impurities.

 When I obtain fresh rolled cigars I always try at least 4. The first one I try that day. The next three I try in one month intervals. Take notes on each cigar and observe the progression of the flavors of the cigar congruent to the aging process.  In conclusion, give a fresh rolled cigar a shot. You’ll be surprised at the unique flavors you may find. Smoke it within 24 hours or wait at least 30 to 60 days for the cigar to recover from the sick period.

Writing For PR & Credibility

Patrick Gallagher, CMT Academic Contribution

Certified Master Tobacconist #1835

Writing For PR & Credibility

 

I recently began writing a monthly cigar review for a local men’s fashion magazine. Like any other reviewer, the position requires me to smoke a cigar and give my thoughts on the experience. But what is unique about the review, is that I am a certified tobacconist.

Too often, we see in today’s media the demonization of tobacco and cigar smokers. And more often than not, these anti-tobacco zealots are typically uneducated about our industry and fed a high amount of propaganda and false data. We tobacconists know the benefits and albeit the risks of tobacco thanks to our extensive training.

I am encouraging tobacconists like myself to reach out to those media channels whom embrace the luxury life style. In doing so, it is important to share your educational experience and your knowledge to those who are with us and against us. These articles and reviews are important for the longevity of our industry and our trades. We must be viewed as educators and purveyors of history and the luxury lifestyle.

Much like a sommelier is to wine, a tobacconist is to cigars/pipes. Our role is to set the stage for the consumers’/readers’ experience and to educate. Thus, preparing the consumer/reader for an emotional and spiritual moment that transcends “just smoking”. Tastes, textures, feelings: these evoke emotions which translate into a valuable experience.

Taking the role of an educator through editorial style writing is an excellent way to reach those enjoying the luxurious moments in life. I suggest finding a local magazine, blogger, or newspaper to get involved with.  Develop a piece and share it with their editor, maybe over a cigar. Explain to the editor the purpose of your piece. Much like a style columnist, we are informing those interested and involved in the lifestyle.

Remember, we are purveyors of luxury and educators of history. It is our job, not only in our stores but in the world, to uphold our traditions, values, and beliefs to honor the great cigar/pipe makers and tobacconists who came before our time.

Storing & Aging Cigars

Michael Herklots, CMT Academic Contribution

Certified Master Tobacconist #1776

Storing & Aging Cigars

 

 

Fortunately the cigars available in the American Market are for the most part ready to be smoked. The manufacturers have invested the time to age the cigars appropriately before shipping to the retailers. However like fine wines, additional aging on cigars (box age) will change those cigars over time. Not all cigars will benefit from long-term aging. As a general rule of thumb, the stronger and more complex a blend is to begin with, the more potential for that cigar to change from additional aging. The milder the cigar is to begin with, the less the potential the cigar has for drastic change over time. Aging allows the essential oils within the tobacco to “marry” and to mellow as well.  What is aggressive and obvious on a newer cigar will become more complex and subtle.

I recently lit up a Davidoff Millennium Lonsdale (one of my favorite cigars to age) that was 4 years old. Now, the Davidoff Millennium Lonsdale is also one of my favorite cigars right out of the box. It’s full-bodied with abundant flavors of spice, earth and leather yet still balanced. With four years of age, the cigar was toned down a bit. Though still full in body, the obvious spiciness I expect in a “new” Lonsdale was slightly muted making the overall flavor a little more delicate and restrained. It was almost velvety in character, with an incredibly long and complex finish. I can’t say I prefer one to the other, but rather I enjoy both equally just for different reasons. But to experience the difference between the two is quite interesting.  And, since cigars are manufactured in a “non-vintage” style, it’s possible to compare new and old side by side.

A great humidor is essential for proper aging and storage. For long-term aging, it’s always best to purchase cigars by the box. This way you have enough cigars to gauge how they’re changing month-by-month or year-by-year.

A desktop model can hold any where from fifty to several hundred cigars.  Most desktop humidors are wood lined and utilize a passive humidification system.  This is generally a sponge-like element that holds water within it without letting the water drip out.  As the water evaporates, it maintains the humidity within the humidor.  Generally these humidors need to be refilled with distilled water every 3-8 weeks depending on the humidor’s seal, interior, and the system itself.    Additionally, desktop humidors require the cigars to be removed from their original box and stored as “singles” within the humidor since the passive humidification system is usually not powerful enough to penetrate a sealed wooden box of cigars.

If you prefer to store your cigars in their original boxes, a cabinet humidor is the best method of storage.  They range in style from end tables and credenzas to industrial “retail” style cabinets.  These cabinets use active humidification systems.  Usually only requiring a standard electrical outlet, this type of humidification system works in tandem with a hygrometer and actively regulates the humidor’s humidity by turning on and off accordingly.  These types of humidors tend to be much lower maintenance than their little sister desktop models, and are also much more stable as the active humidification does not produce the same “ebbs and flows” of a passive humidification system.  This steady humidity as well as the increased capacity permits the collector to keep cigars in their original boxes within the humidor, making absolutely certain that the cigars are stored and aged exactly the way the manufacturer intended.

If your cigars come in cellophane, and you’re storing several different kinds of cigars next to each other in a desktop model humidor, simply push the cigar’s foot to the open end of the cello and wrap the excess cello around the cap.  This ensures all of the tobaccos (including the fillers) are exposed to humidity.  If you’re storing your cigars in their original boxes in a cabinet humidor, then you can remove the cellophane and place the cigars back in their box.  This brings the cigars a little closer to the humidity, and also allows the cigars to marry with each other in the box as they age.  If you’re not aging for the long term, then frankly it doesn’t much matter.

So buy a box of your favorite smokes, write the date on the bottom and enjoy one every month. Keep a little Dossier of your own tasting notes in order to gauge how they’re changing and if you like the changes that are occurring.