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Chapters |
The Cigar Label (Band)The cigar label was introduced by the Europeans. The prevailing opinion is that the label was developed to eliminate the problem of soiling white evening gloves while smoking cigars during or after the opera. Gustavo Bock, a Dutch merchant, was said to be the first person to put printed paper bands on his cigars around 1850. He wanted to distinguish his cigar brands from competitors' brands of Havanas. Using cigar labels caught on quickly and became a very popular way to personalize special orders. Cigar-smokers such as monarchs, millionaires, and heads of state demanded personalized cigars. Plain lettering portraits were added as printing techniques improved. The world's wealthiest and most powerful people had their own bands. These works of art are collectors' items today. Why a cigar band? The cigar band, like the box label, distinguishes one cigar from another. Today you will see a multitude of cigar bands. We can quickly identify old Cuban names, although it is hard to detect authentic cigars from counterfeit cigars. Some names, such as Macanudo, have high household recognition. Today, as in the 1800s, individuals and corporations display custom and personalized cigar bands on the cigars they offer to customers and friends. Visit the website www.mypvt.com to learn more about personalization of cigar bands. Do you leave the band on or take it off? This is a personal choice. In Britain, it is part of the cigar-smoking ritual to remove the band. If you do choose to take the band off, wait until after the cigar has been lit and the tobacco is warm, because taking the band off a cold cigar can damage the delicate outside wrapper. It is easier to the label from a warm cigar because heat loosens the adhesive gum on the band. |