Hand-rolled cigars

A good cigar is not made by a machine, but in the hands of a roller. Our cigars are rolled by hand in the Dominican Republic, with aged tobaccos from the Caribbean and Ecuador. Every blend combines traditional craftsmanship with the multi-layered taste of sun-ripened wrapper and filler leaves. Discover mild, creamy nuances and rich, spicy aromas at Rising Cigar.

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Handgerollte Zigarren

How a cigar is built: wrapper, binder and filler

A hand-rolled cigar consists of a wrapper, a binder and the filler. The filler forms the core, the binder holds it together and the wrapper sits on the outside.

  • Wrapper: It determines the look and adds to the flavour. Depending on the line, we use Habana Ecuador or Criollo.
  • Binder: It encloses the filler and holds the tobacco leaves in shape.
  • Filler: It is made of several tobacco leaves and has a major influence on strength and aroma. We use Dominican and Ecuadorian tobaccos. Some of our varieties are made entirely from Dominican tobacco and are called "Puro Dominicano".
Close-up of a brown premium cigar with a gold and black band on a dark slate plate

What makes a cigar strong

The intensity depends largely on the tobaccos used. It also matters where on the tobacco plant the leaves grow. The upper leaves get more sun and therefore usually contain more nicotine and a stronger flavour than the lower ones.

Among others, these three leaf types go into a filler:

  • Seco: mild tobacco that mainly brings aroma to the blend.
  • Viso: grows higher up the plant and gives the smoke more body.
  • Ligero: comes from the upper part of the tobacco plant, gives the blend strength and burns comparatively slowly.

For our tobacco products we mix these leaf types in varying proportions. How much Seco, Viso and Ligero a blend contains shapes its strength and its aroma. An intense aroma does not automatically mean that a cigar is also particularly strong.

How fermentation and ageing change the tobacco

Before the tobacco leaves are processed, they go through fermentation. This creates heat and moisture, and unwanted substances such as ammonia are broken down, so the tobacco loses part of its harshness.

After that, our tobaccos age for several more years before they are processed. During this time their flavour keeps developing. Which aromas you notice when smoking depends on the particular blend and variety.

Storing cigars correctly

Cigars are a natural product and react sensitively to their surroundings, so the right climate matters for storage. Ideal is 68 to 72 percent humidity at around 18 degrees, because stored too dry the smoke turns harsh and too humid invites mould. A humidor keeps this climate constant, so the cigars stay fresh for months and even continue to mature over time.

Choosing and ordering cigars online

In our shop you'll find mild and full-bodied cigars in various sizes. The details on intensity and flavour help you compare the individual varieties and narrow down your choice. If you have questions about choosing or storing cigars, we're happy to help.

FAQ

How do I cut a cigar correctly?

Only cut off the small cap at the head, where the round end transitions into the straight part. A cutter will remove it with a clean cut; if you cut too deep, the wrapper will come loose and the filler will fall apart. Those who prefer a tighter, more concentrated draw can use a puncher instead of a cutter, which only punches a small hole in the cap.

How long does it take to smoke a cigar?

That depends on the specific cigar. A short format like the Short Robusto can be smoked in 30 to 45 minutes, whereas a long Presidente has a smoking time of 75 to 90 minutes. As a rule of thumb: the longer and thicker the cigar, the longer the smoking time.

Where does the tobacco at Rising Cigar come from?

The tobacco comes from the Dominican Republic and Ecuador, two of the most important growing regions for premium cigars. Some formats are crafted using only Dominican tobacco (Puro Dominicano), while others combine leaves from both countries for a balanced blend. Our cigars are crafted with patience and precision.

What does Puro mean?

Puro means that all the tobacco in a cigar comes from a single country, as is the case with our Dominican products, which would be a Puro Dominicano. The wrapper, binder, and filler all originate from the same country. This results in a particularly harmonious flavor profile.

How is a cigar constructed?

A cigar consists of three layers of tobacco. On the outside is the wrapper, the finest and thinnest leaf, which determines the cigar’s appearance and a large part of its flavour. Beneath this, the binder holds the filler together and gives the cigar its shape. At the heart of the cigar is the filler, made up of several types of tobacco, which determines its strength and main flavour.