About anatomy of a Habano

It takes up to six types of tobacco leaf to make a Habano, each type specially grown and prepared for its purpose.

Four for flavour…

Two, three or four types of leaf are blended to form the tripa, or filler, source of the rich flavours and aromas that immediately distinguish a Habano from the rest.

• Volado: a light-flavoured leaf, especially valued for its combustibility –also known Fortateza  1 (Strength 1).
• Seco: medium-flavoured, the most important leaf for aroma Fortaleza  2 (Strength 2).
• Ligero: a full-flavoured and slow-burning leaf that adds strength to the blend Fortaleza  3 (Strength 3).
• Medio Tiempo: a rare leaf used very occasionally to bring extra intensity to the taste Fortaleza 4 (Strength 4).

…one for structure…

The capote, or binder, is the special leaf that wraps around the leaves of the filler, defining the shape of the Habano and perfecting its smoking quality..

…and one to delight the eye

The capa, or wrapper, is the exquisitely thin and supple leaf that forms the outer surface of the cigar.

The wrapper contributes little to the flavour of a Habano, but it stands as the ultimate symbol of the cigar’s perfection.

Every leaf is grown in Cuba, especially for the making of Habanos.

You will not find such tobacco in cigars that are not Habanos.