The history of the Cuban cigar? a product which has become essential for the national economy ? goes beyond five centuries in existence, thus giving it, without doubt, a unique hallmark of distinction. Since the years in which the Spanish conquistadores came to American lands a number of legends have been emerging. It is said that when Christopher Columbus arrived in the greater Island of the Antilles, in October of 1492, he sent two of his best friends to present the letters of introduction of the catholic kings to the Chinese emperors, since they thought that, undoubtedly, they had arrived in the Far East.

It was hard for the emissaries to accept reality, since they met men physically and culturally very different from Asians. It surprised them exceedingly to see the indigenous people have, between their lips, rolled leaves in the shapes of tubes, which they would light at one end and inhale the smoke from the other.

From that moment, Columbus and his men unwittingly started spreading the news of the existence of one of the biggest riches of Cuba, since many of them got used to smoking the aromatic leaf and took it with them on their return to the court. This way, both the term «tobacco» and the habit of consuming it were accepted by the people living in Europe. Then the product became popular internationally as «Cuban cigars».

Since then, the growing of tobacco has been, along with the sugarcane, one of the elements which constitute the idiosyncrasy of the Cuban people and has become a component of identity of the Cuban nationality. The tradition and secret of its growing has been spread from generation to generation.

Nowadays the plants of tobacco are grown in several provinces of the country, but the best soils for that activity are located in the west of the Island, in the territory of Pinar del Rio ?especially in the area known as Vuelta Abajo ?, which is considered the cradle of the best tobacco in the world.

What happens is that this place has the perfect combination of soils, climate and humidity which are responsible for a product, described ?by experts?  as «exclusive» because of its aroma, color, texture and taste.

The tobacco plantations which are grown in the fields of Vuelta Abajo have exceptional leaves. They are selected according to their conditions before the world-famous Cuban Habanos, which enjoy such a great demand among the most select consumers, are made.

As an unavoidable part of the spirituality of those born on this Island, the production of Cuban cigars had also an influence on the architecture of this country, since big curing barns are needed on the fields, as well as industries and factories which in the city stamp a characteristic hallmark and constitute true architectonical works of art.

The production of the Cuban Habano, with a wide range of brands, satisfies the most demanding tastes, for it has more than 30 brands and more than 700 vitolas of unquestionable quality.

Before reaching the hands of a smoker, puros go through a process which can last more than one year? with over 190 stages. In this long process the totality of the leaves used for the outside wrapping of the cigar comes from the «vegas» (the Cuban word for tobacco plantations) of the Pinar del Rio province. Stores specializing in the sale of Cuban puros.

Considered a real work of art, the preparation of an Habano requires that its creator (the torcedor or roller) works all the time by hand, and it all begins with the Escogida (Sorting House), a place where leaves are selected by their sizes and types and according to the specific characteristics of each cigar or vitola.

Rings are obviously one of the elements which distinguishes Habanos. They were introduced in Cuba by Gustavo Bock, around 1860. He is said to have created it with the idea of keeping his clients? white gloves from getting stained while enjoying the Cuban puros. Whatever the origin, rings have become a symbol of identity of Habanos and now they are also of great value to collectors.

The secret of a good cigar, according to experts, lies in a perfect blend, in which, in a right proportion, light-flavored «volado» (combustibility), medium-flavored «seco» (aroma) and full-flavored slow-burning «ligero» (strength) leaves are combined. These three types of leaves which form the filler or «tripa» (the core of a cigar) are responsible for the taste and aroma of an Habano. The increasing demand of Habanos has led to the emergence of new buildings designed for the enjoyment of an excellent vitola and the keeping of the product in ideal conditions.

It is worth mentioning the art of other creators such as cabinetmakers, who play an important role in the process of getting a premium puro, since they make, with select wood, humidors so that Habanos are protected from climatic environmental changes and maintain their exceptional flavor and aroma.