DESCRIPTION: This video will explain and illustrate the complex processes of curing and fermentation of tobacco. Curing and fermentation are critical aspects of readying the tobacco for use in the production of premium cigars.

TERMS:

Casa de Tabaco = Curing Barn
Guano = Palm leaves; used for constructing some curing barns
Ensartadores = Stringer, sewer of leaves
Drying bars = wooden poles used for hanging leaves in the curing barn
Vegueros = tobacco farmers
Manos = hands; groups of leaves tied together in bunches

Pilón (pilones) = pile or stack of tobacco leaves used in fermenting

Temperatures:

• In curing barns: 72-75 degrees F
• In fermentation pilón: 80-95 degrees F

Time span:

• For curing: approx. 6-weeks
• For fermentation: approx. 6-weeks

DESCRIPTION: This video takes you through the process of seeding, germination, growth and harvest.

Making great cigars starts with planting great seeds. You will see how the seeds are planted and germinated and how the seedlings are prepared to be planted in the field. The process of harvesting (priming) the leaves is also discussed.

TERMS:

• Ligero = Literally “light.” The part of the filler tobacco that is located in the upper part of the plant. It often contributes to the strength of the cigar.
• Viso = Tobacco from the middle of the plant. A primary contributor to the flavor characteristics of the cigar.
• Seco = Literally, “dry.” Comes from the
  lower part of the plant, it contributes to the aroma and burn of the cigar.
• Volado = Another type of filler tobacco chosen for its burning qualities. It is the part of the plant that is closest to the soil.

• Vega = Tobacco field
• Veguero = Tobacco farmer
• Finca = Farm
• Germination Tray = a small container used to plant seeds
• Semilla = Seed
• Semilleros = Seedbed
• Sterile Ash = mixed with seeds to help farmer see the distribution of seeds in the germination tray
• Priming = Picking the leaves
• Recogedor (a) = Person who picks the tobacco leaves.
  

Recently I sat down with Steven Ysidron, National Sales Manager of Savinelli cigars, to discuss his background and role in the company. He also introduces Savinelli's current cigars, and upcoming new blends.

This video records the presentation of the limited edition 2010 Procigar cigar. The announcement was made by Manuel Quesada, who is the Vice President of the Procigar organization. Each person that attended the 2010 Procigar Festival in the Dominican Republic, received one of these special cigars

This video completes the two-part interview with Lucas de Meester of Don Lucas Premium Cigars. The interview took place at Lucas' "Cigar Home and Lounge" in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

In this video, Doc interviews Lucas de Meester of Don Lucas Premium Cigars. The interview took place at Lucas' "Cigar Home and Lounge" in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Upon returning from the Dominican Republic and the 3rd annual Procigar Festival, Doc shows a bit of the Dominican culture outside of the cigar industry. Dancing in the DR shows more of the festive and fun aspects of the Procigar Festival.

In this video, Doc shows his two latest acquisitions: a Karl Erik pipe and a Vanderburgh Custom humidor. See more humidors from Eddie De Jong at VanderburghHumidors.com

Pipes and pipe smoking can be an enjoyable adjunct hobby for cigar smokers. In this video, Doc shows his small pipe collection and talks about each pipe.

Doc talks about different ideas for how to use your cigar bands. If you collect cigars bands, be sure to check out Doc's ideas and share some of your own.