Ligero, Volado, Seco, Flamenco, Manchego...help

[culebra]

Ken or any experienced members of the esteemed forum.

I hear the terms above in relation to tobacco (well...most of them at least ) and blending and would just like a definitive answer on what they are and how they are used.

Could someone please explain.

Muchos Gracias!

[Guest Sailor]

Ligero leaves are from the top of the plant, dark and full of flavor as a result of the oils produced by exposure to sunlight. It is always placed in the middle of a cigar because it burns so slowly. Seco is from the middle of the plant, lighter in color and flavor Volado is from the bottom of the plant. Not much flavor but burns very well.

These are the main type of leaves used in filler.

The wrapper or capa, is usually grown under shade and the binder, capote, is usually sungrown like the filler.

How long the leaves are fermented and how they are fermented determines the stregnth, flavor and complexity of the cigar.

You really have to try and bunch, roll and finish a cigar to appreciate what an incredible craft this is. John Olivia Jr. sent me quite a bit of raw materials, as well as some molds to let me try my hand at rolling my own. It is amazing what you can buy for 4-7 dollars after trying this and turning out a product that would make the roughest looking cazadore look like a Davidoff.

[El Presidente]

Great answer Sailor.

I will start another thread on this front.