Blending cigars

[gersonmorelli]

I've been meaning to post this for quite sometime and I'm not even sure if this is really clear outside HSA and Cubatabaco. I'm sure Rob and other more knowledgeable members have a better understanding on how this works though.

How does the master blender choose the leaves that will differ from e.g. a PSD4 and an Epicure No.2? I understand that some cigars will have different blends of seco, volado, ligero and this will impact flavour, strength, etc. But is there a differentiation in terms of fermentation (i.e. some leaves fermented longer, or at different processes), terroir (i.e. from different regions), different tobacco strains, etc?

[phoenix]

[maverickdrinker]

Everyday, each roller is given a packet of tobacco and informed how much ligero, seco, volado, needs to be included in each cigar and the size of he cigar. They are given enough tobacco to roll the exact amount.

The only brand that has different fermentation is Cohiba. It is triple fermented. All the rest are double fermented.

[Ophidion]

http://www.tabacordi...co-blending.htm

This article explains a bit about what goes into creating a blend. It may not explain exactly how one makes a specific marca over and over but it gives insight about how a blend is created.

[phoenix]

Very interesting question. Looking forward to a POSITIVE discussion.

[Colt45]

Here's a little insight from our humble host:

Link

It may not address your question directly, but I think it's worth a read.

I imagine that blends are not entirely static - that with variables in tobacco over the course of a season, and from season to season,

adjustments must be made.

[Rushman]

Here's a little insight from our humble host:

Link

It may not address your question directly, but I think it's worth a read.

I imagine that blends are not entirely static - that with variables in tobacco over the course of a season, and from season to season,

adjustments must be made.

Thanks for sharing this post! Very interesting.

---

I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=20.631742,-87.070638

[Wil]

Great topic! Have often wondered how blends are created and how they get consistency (more or less) over time.

*There doesn't seem to be much on this in the books I've read on cuban cigars.

[Ginseng]

Gentlemen,

Several posts in this thread are not exactly in the spirit of the forum. For goodness sakes, 1) be helpful if you can, 2) do it with class. If you feel cranky, step away from the keyboard and try again later. I'm frankly sick of members being jerks to other members for no good reason. And I really mean no good reason. Let me tell you straight out, it is not appreciated, it is not wanted, and it shows just how much you are willing to respect, or not, Rob's wishes for an atmosphere of collegiality and camaraderie at Friends of Habanos.

Wilkey

[Wil]

Well said

[phoenix]

Gentlemen,

Several posts in this thread are not exactly in the spirit of the forum. For goodness sakes, 1) be helpful if you can, 2) do it with class. If you feel cranky, step away from the keyboard and try again later. I'm frankly sick of members being jerks to other members for no good reason. And I really mean no good reason. Let me tell you straight out, it is not appreciated, it is not wanted, and it shows just how much you are willing to respect, or not, Rob's wishes for an atmosphere of collegiality and camaraderie at Friends of Habanos.

Wilkey

Completely agree! Thanks for cleaning it up!

[El Presidente]

Cheers Wilkey

I have cleaned up the thread. Pathetic waste of my time.

I swear that there are 2-3 people on FOH who if the supermarket checkout lass said "their you go sir and have a nice day" they would respond "Why the hell would you care"

A social maturity is required in all interactions on FOH. If you don't have it.... play elsewhere.

[DougB]

Gentlemen,

Several posts in this thread are not exactly in the spirit of the forum. For goodness sakes, 1) be helpful if you can, 2) do it with class. If you feel cranky, step away from the keyboard and try again later. I'm frankly sick of members being jerks to other members for no good reason. And I really mean no good reason. Let me tell you straight out, it is not appreciated, it is not wanted, and it shows just how much you are willing to respect, or not, Rob's wishes for an atmosphere of collegiality and camaraderie at Friends of Habanos.

Wilkey

Thanks for saying this...I completely concur. And the same goes for the Shoutbox as well. Respect for one another- differences included- and less snarky remarks there and in posts would be much appreciated by a great many members I would venture to guess.

[Ginseng]

Thanks for saying this...I completely concur. And the same goes for the Shoutbox as well. Respect for one another- differences included- and less snarky remarks there and in posts would be much appreciated by a great many members I would venture to guess.

Indeed. It seems so simple.

And believe me, we have been watching the shoutbox. At least you guys can choose to just ignore those who are disruptive. We mods have to read it all, and, like the people who monitor other large forums for offensive or prohibited behavior/content, this exacts a psychic toll. But this I can deal with. Smoke a cigar, play with my knives and flashlights, read a few lolcats and I'm good as new.

But honestly, FOH was the last cigar forum where I ever thought we'd have to tell people to grow up. The last. If this beach head falls, where else is left? It is for this reason that we, not I, not Rob, we must not allow it to go where so many others have gone.

Wilkey

[gersonmorelli]

Glad I checked back on this thread just now and didn't see any answers that were cleaned up. Thanks for that Rob and Wilkey. However it intrigues me how this topic could have incited a negative atmosphere by some jerks... Honestly, I've been noticing this sort of behavior in some member as of recently. I've been around for quite sometime and the spirit of friendship has always been one Foh major assets, hope it stays that way. Once again thanks Wilkey and Rob to keep working to keep it this way.

Returning to the topic, thanks for the link Colt. It sure helps enlight some questions. However I doubt any of us will ever know exactly how it works!

[NJP]

Great link. Thank you Colt.

[canadianbeaver]

It's funny, again cigars have the same issues as coffee (come to think of it, single malt scotch too). The blend of leaves is as important as beans and single malts. The various blends must be at the same levels of quality or the final product is diminished. The master doing the blending must be as knowledgeable as the initial leaf/bean/scotch itself.

That word "blend" is a dangerous one. Some labels say "Hawaiian Kona" but then below in small type says "Blend" and the coffee is actually only 10% real Kona.