Connoisseur – the cigar expert

In contrast to many expressions within the realm of cigar terminology, the term connaisseur has its roots in French, not Spanish. It serves as the noun counterpart to the verb connaître, signifying to know, thereby designating the connoisseur as one who truly knows. This term finds frequent usage, particularly in culinary and artistic contexts.

For instance, in the world of wine, individuals possessing a high level of expertise, be they professional tasters or dedicated enthusiasts, are often identified as connoisseurs. The term, however, extends its reach to coffee and cigars as well. In the culinary domain, a connoisseur denotes someone who has cultivated an exceptionally refined palate over years of devoted experience, amassing a substantial wealth of knowledge. In the 19th-century fine arts arena, the term once held considerable prominence. Those labeled as connoisseurs were individuals who, through intensive self-study of original works, developed specialized expertise. They made attributions to specific eras, styles, or schools, and identified particular artists, all without relying on scientific evidence or arguments. Their credibility rested solely on their mastery within this domain.

The cigar aficionado, embodying the essence of a cigar connoisseur

Cigars boast a rich history dating back to the discovery of America. However, it wasn’t until the 1960s that cigars became widely available as a mass-produced commodity, thanks to the rising popularity of machine-made production, making tobacco products more accessible to consumers. From the 1990s onward, there was a resurgence of interest in handmade premium cigars, positioning them as objects of luxury and pure enjoyment.

Responding to the growing demand for handmade cigars, akin to the appreciation of fine wine, manufacturers introduced new formats and refined flavors. Navigating this diverse landscape requires the discerning eye of a connoisseur. A genuine aficionado naturally gravitates towards handmade long-filler cigars, and those with particularly discerning tastes appreciate brands such as Cohiba or the unexpected contender, Laura Chavin. Notably, Laura Chavin, originating from a German company, has set ambitious goals—not merely measuring up to Cuban cigars but aspiring to ascend the cigar Olympus and surpass them.

With years of expertise, the use of carefully selected tobaccos, and a distinctive blend of filler, binder, and wrapper, Laura Chavin cigars have garnered significant acclaim among connoisseurs. They stand as a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship that true aficionados seek in their pursuit of the perfect cigar-smoking experience.

Unveiling the Essence of a Connoisseur

A connoisseur is distinguished by a profound understanding cultivated over many years of immersion in the subject matter. Their expertise extends to discerning and defining the subtle aromas that characterize a cigar. A notable ritual involves drawing on the cigar before it ignites, a practiced maneuver to assess its “draw.” A satisfactory draw hints at a well-constructed cigar, likely to burn evenly and provide an excellent smoking experience. Conversely, cigars with subpar draws reveal themselves as poor in quality and merit return.

The meticulous habits of a connoisseur continue with the consideration of ash removal. Only a gentle removal, not prematurely done, aligns with the connoisseur’s approach. A lengthy ash, a testament to meticulous craftsmanship, signifies a flawless finish and promises superior smoking enjoyment. Interestingly, a true cigar connoisseur refrains from immersing the cigar in whiskey or cognac to enhance its aroma, recognizing that the purity of the cigar’s essence deserves appreciation in its unaltered form.

Exploring the Cigar Landscape Through the Eyes of a Connoisseur

Within the realm of tobacco and cigars, there exists not only the ardent cigar lover, often referred to as the “aficionado,” but also the discerning connoisseur—a true expert in this intricate world. Unlike the style-conscious aficionado, the connoisseur approaches cigars with a multifaceted lens, delving into artisanal, technical, and even quasi-“scientific” dimensions.

While the majority of terms in the tobacco industry find their roots in Spanish, “connoisseur” stands out with its French origin, hailing from the verb “connaître,” meaning “to know.” This distinction reflects the connoisseur’s holistic perspective, extending beyond mere aesthetic appreciation to encompass a deep understanding of the craftsmanship, technical nuances, and even scientific intricacies of a cigar.

It’s worth noting that connoisseurs are not exclusive to the realm of cigars; the term finds resonance among experts in various domains, including wine, coffee, and other culinary delights. As such, the connoisseur emerges as a knowledgeable guide, elevating the appreciation of cigars to a level where every puff becomes an exploration of artistry, craftsmanship, and the rich tapestry of flavors.

Becoming a Connoisseur: A Journey of Self-Acquisition

The distinction of a connoisseur, often referred to as “Connaisseur,” is neither conferred through academic titles nor attained through formal apprenticeships. Such conventional routes prove impractical given the vast array of cigars originating from diverse regions, each boasting almost countless nuances of flavors. Contemplate the myriad opinions circulating within your own circle of acquaintances regarding a single cigar, and you’ll grasp the complexity of attempting to formalize this expertise in a structured setting for budding cigar connoisseurs.

Connoisseurs predominantly forge their knowledge through years of personal experience. They intimately acquaint themselves with the countries and people pivotal to key production areas, having smoked an extensive array of cigars to discern what truly defines a genuine premium cigar. These aficionados possess an innate ability to identify the finest aromas within a cigar, often pinpointing the specific origins and types of tobacco employed. Considering the influx of high-priced cigars saturating the market today, the significance of connoisseurs and their unparalleled expertise becomes evident, playing a crucial role in shaping the landscape of the cigar world.

With exacting standards for the quality of long-fillers, connoisseurs possess the unique ability to swiftly discern whether an expensive cigar genuinely meets the criteria of a premium smoke.

Prior to lighting, a connoisseur meticulously scrutinizes and examines the cigar. They assess the cold smell and draw, recognizing that any processing defects from the outset would disqualify the cigar in the eyes of a discerning aficionado. Throughout the smoking experience, the connoisseur critically evaluates the draw and the ash. Notably, a connoisseur would never casually discard the cigar ash; instead, they recognize that a long, stable ash serves as an emblem of meticulous craftsmanship. These meticulous practices underscore the connoisseur’s commitment to an elevated cigar-smoking experience, where every detail contributes to the assessment of quality.

Indulging in Excellence: The Connoisseur’s Choice of High-Quality Cigars

In the refined world of cigar aficionados, catching a glimpse of a connoisseur with a machine-made short filler is a rarity. Their realm revolves around the exquisite domain of handmade long-fillers, particularly those meticulously crafted. Whether savoring the nuances of a Cohiba Behike, featuring triple-fermented tobacco, or relishing the richness of a Don Pepin Le Bijou 1922 with its dark Habano Oscuro wrapper—connoisseurs have a discerning palate for the finest creations.

Their interest is piqued not only by the inherent quality but also by exclusivity. Limited editions, known as Limitadas, released in strictly regulated numbers automatically captivate a connoisseur’s attention. Take, for instance, the Perdomo Double Aged 12 Year Vintage (First Release 2014), crafted from twelve-year-old tobaccos stored in burnt-out bourbon barrels. Such a gem, limited to a mere 250 retailers worldwide becomes an indispensable treasure for a connoisseur. In an era where exclusive, limited-edition cigars, crafted from the most exceptional tobaccos, grace the shelves of select specialist retailers, it’s evident that we are living in a golden age for true connoisseurs.