Cuban cigars, made from locally-produced tobacco for the binder, filler and wrapper, follow a ritual that has proved popular for over a hundred years.
It takes over a hundred steps to produce just one single Cuban cigar, which results in both their prestige and their high price.
Love, care and attention goes into making a hand-rolled Cuban cigar that offers a rich taste and distinct aroma.
Cuban soil makes them naturally sweet, with Vuelta Abajo in the western part of the Caribbean island traditionally rich in nutrients.
The sweet aroma is down to the iron. The sweet taste is down to the mix of calcium and magnesium. The ash is generally a light to medium grey colour, which indicates that the cigar is not overwhelmed by magnesium that would lead to high levels of acid.
Yet the difficulty in obtaining Cuban cigars also makes it appealing for cigar aficionados, who appreciate that lighting a Cuban cigar is undoubtedly a symbol of success.