Mo Maali of Patina Cigars introduces you to his brand and talks about what’s in the works from the 2023 PCA Convention & Trade Show floor.

For more coverage of the PCA 2023 Convention & Trade Show, please visit: halfwheel.com

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What Are Cigars?

Cigars are made up of a bundle of tobacco leaves, usually tightly wrapped in a dried palm leaf or corn (maize) husk. They come in a variety of lengths and shapes and may be either figurado or parejo (straight). They can also have a ring gauge, which indicates the size of the cigar, broken into 64ths of an inch. Cigars can have either a smooth or a rough appearance, but even the finest tobacco needs to be properly constructed and aged for good flavor and aroma.

The most expensive part of a cigar is the wrapper, which must be pristine in appearance, smooth in texture and rich in flavor to produce the desired taste profile. The wrapper is the first thing a cigar smoker notices, and it will influence the overall taste of the cigar. The filler tobaccos, however, are the real star of the show and allow the cigar maker to create distinctive strengths, aromas and flavors for their branded products.

When choosing a cigar, you will also want to consider the level of body you desire. Cigars typically fall into mild, medium or full bodied categories. This is a personal preference and will take some trial and error to learn your preferences. Cigar pleasure is often a sensory experience and less about nicotine reward, but this can be a rewarding hobby for many cigar lovers. Unlike cigarettes, premium cigars are all natural and contain no dyes or ripening accelerants.