The Curing and Fermentation Process

Curing

After tobacco is harvested, it undergoes the air curing process, which lasts about 30 days. During this time, the tobacco is hung in wooden sheds or barns, where the leaves are slowly dried to reduce their moisture content and release their natural sugars.

During this time, the leaf color changes as well, from green to yellow to orange and ultimately to brown. Once the leaves are brown and the edges begin to curl slightly, the tobacco has completed the air curing process.

Curing is done naturally, or with charcoal, wood, propane or natural gas as a heat source.  Wrapper tobacco is mostly cured in closed barns or sheds to protect it from the sun, rain and wind. Tobacco used for filler and binder is often cured in sheds with slats or doors that are open for airflow.

After the curing process is completed, tobacco leaves are taken down from the shed, packed and shipped to the appropriate location for fermentation, which is customized according to the type of leaf.

Fermentation

Fermentation is a natural process, during which the leaf continues to ripen and the nicotine content diminishes.

In addition, leaf characteristics such as the aroma, flavor and color are further developed during this process, according to pre-determined standards that we actually control as the tobacco ferments.

During fermentation, the leaves are piled into what is called a bulk which is essentially stacks of cured tobacco covered in burlap to retain moisture. A bulk contains anywhere from 4,000 to 5,000 pounds of tobacco, depending on its type. The combination of the remaining water inside the leaf and the weight of the tobacco generates a natural heat which ripens the tobacco. The temperature in the center of the bulk is monitored daily. Every week, the entire bulk is opened.  The leaves are then removed to be shaken and moistened and the bulk is rotated so that the inside leaves go outside and the bottom leaves are placed on the top of the bulk. This ensures even fermentation throughout the bulk.

The additional moisture on the leaves, plus the actual rotation of the leaves themselves, generates heat, releasing the tobacco’s natural ammonia and reducing nicotine, while also deepening the color and improving the tobacco’s aroma.

The fermentation process continues for up to 6 months, depending on the variety of tobacco, stalk position on the leaf, thickness and intended the use of leaf, whether for wrapper, binder or long filler.

VBC Cigar’s Herf Etiquette

Obvious question first. What the heck is a cigar herf? Look it up!!

It’s simple. It’s just a cigar party to enjoy fine smokes and good company.

You’d think there would be an interesting story behind a word like ‘herf’, but, unfortunately, you’d be disappointed. All we can say about its etymology is that it was probably coined on an online cigar newsgroup (the precursor to forums, message boards and such) sometime in the ’90s.

Cigar herfs are a blast. It’s hard not to have a good time at one, especially if you obey these few simple rules of cigar herf etiquette.

Regarding Cigars

Herfs often involve a lot of gifting and sharing of smokes. So bring some extra along with you if you can. It’s in especially good taste to present one to the host.

But if for some reason you can’t, no problem. It’s by no means mandatory.

If you’re holding the herf at a cigar shop, things are different. You’ll want to leave your own smokes at home and buy some from the shop instead.

Drinks and Eats

Like cigars, it’s a good idea to bring food and drink for yourself and to share — especially on the drink side (assuming the herf isn’t at a bar).  If you’re hosting the herf, you should prepare like you would for any other party. Even if people agree to bring food and drinks beforehand, you should have a decent supply ready to make sure there’s enough to go around.

Location and guest list

Locations can vary. Cigar shops, people’s homes and bars can all work well. The only requirement, of course, is that the location is smoke friendly.

Obviously, you want your guests to be smoke friendly, too. It’s not that non-smokers wouldn’t be welcome, but they may feel uncomfortable with all the smoke and cigar talk.

Have fun

The last and most important rule is just to enjoy yourself, which shouldn’t be tough. There’s simply nothing like good friends and good cigars.

Are you looking for advice on how to identify a quality cigar? Here are tips on what to look for when buying a cigar:

• First, find a shape that you like and will feel comfortable smoking.
• Then, quite simply, judge a book by its cover –in this case, the wrapper.
• The outermost leaf (the wrapper) must be applied flawlessly, without gaps, or tears.
• Look for uniform color. You don’t want a cigar that is mottled or spotted.
• Avoid cigars that feel dry, or that flake or crumble when touched. This means they have not been kept in proper humidity.
• However, if you do have a cigar that has dried out, there may be a way to save it. If the wrapper hasn’t cracked and the oils haven’t evaporated, there is a way to rehydrate a cigar.
• Look for cigars with a luster or sheen which indicates that they have been well cared-for.
• Make sure the cigar is well filled with tobacco. It should feel consistently firm, without any weak spots or divots.
• Flavor is also very important. Remove the cigar from its outer wrapping (if in a cigar shop, ask for permission first!), put the cigar up to your nose and take a nice deep inhale. If the smell of the cigar is appealing to you, chances are the taste will be, too.