We’ve now covered two of the three main parts of a cigar — the wrapper leaf and cigar filler. Two out of three isn’t bad, but we want to complete the set by telling you about the final element and perhaps the unsung hero of the trio — the cigar binder.
Fillers and wrappers often hog all the glory when it comes to the blend, but they (and your smoke) would be ineffective without the binder. Every leaf is vital, so let’s find out what the binder leaf brings to the party.
What is a cigar binder?
Cigar binders are the tobacco leaf (or leaves) used to wrap the fillers together in your stogie. Not only does it house the filler tobacco, it also has to work in tandem with the wrapper leaf, which is rolled onto it. This helps give your cigar its shape. Think of it as the backbone of your smoke or the mortar to the bricks (filler) and wallpaper (wrapper).
However, this isn’t the binder leaf’s only responsibility. It has two other equally important jobs — keeping the cigar burning evenly and ensuring a smooth draw. This is determined by the tightness of the binder’s application around the fillers.
In blending terminology, the cigar binder is referred to as the “capote.” Spanish for a “cape” or a “cloak,” this derives from the country’s national pastime of bullfighting. Bullfighters use it to control the bull’s movements — akin to a binder that keeps the filler tobaccos in place.
What is the difference between a cigar filler and a binder?
Cigar filler tobacco are the leaves carefully selected to go inside the cigar and provide flavor and body. The binder is applied over the filler to hold the tobacco together. It is sealed with vegetable gum and must be applied to allow good airflow through the stick.
The binder and filler tobacco combination is known as the 'Bonche' (bunch) and is then rolled with the wrapper leaf to complete the finished product.
Where do cigar binder leaves grow?
Binder leaves are of lower quality than wrapper leaves and can have imperfections such as blemishes. They are usually harvested from the lower-middle section of the tobacco plant, where the seco and volado primings are located. The term "capote" is also used to describe the leaves just between the seco and volado ones on a criollo-seed tobacco plant.
These leaves have the desired characteristics for a cigar binder, as they are a little thicker and more elastic. This enables them to hold the fillers in place and be rugged enough to protect them when placed into the molds and presses during the cigar-making process. The color, flavor, and strength of leaves from this part of the stalk also tend to be lighter.
Leaves from other parts of the tobacco plant can be used, including less-than-perfect leaves that were originally picked with the intention of being used as a wrapper.
How long do binder leaves take to cure?
Once the binder tobacco leaves have been picked, they’re transported to a curing barn. The leaves are typically sewn together in pairs with thick thread and are hung in harmony from long wooden sticks for curing.
However, high-quality binder leaves (and wrapper leaves) can't be sewn together, as their delicate nature needs to be protected. Any holes or cracks in binder leaves will prevent them from keeping the fillers intact. Instead, they are hung to dry on opposite sides of smoother, thicker sticks called cujes.
Binder leaves taken from the lower primings are cured for one to two years, whereas an extra year and sometimes longer is afforded to the higher priming leaves (viso and ligero).
What qualities do cigarmakers look for in binder leaf?
Even though the cigar binder is hidden from view, it must still meet strict criteria, or the cigar won’t perform. Cigar binders must:
- be a thick and strong leaf with enough elasticity to be rolled around the filler
- be absorbent to easily capture airflow through the cigar
- blend well with the wrapper to benefit the overall profile of the blend
- have underdeveloped veins for a smoother texture and to enhance the wrapper’s visual appeal
- light easily, burn efficiently, and contribute to the cigar’s aroma.
How much of the cigar’s flavor comes from the binder?
Binder leaves lack flavor compared to the wrapper and filler leaves. This is because they tend to come from the lower half of the plant, which receives less sunlight, and consequently develops less flavor. A shorter curing and aging time also has an impact.
The reality is they are not grown for their taste or good looks, but for their structural stability. On the other hand, they do significantly influence a cigar’s aroma, which is the smell you perceive from the smoke after you've lit it.
Some manufacturers occasionally use two binder leaves to add complexity to the blend.
Final thoughts
Despite its unassuming nature, the cigar binder is as crucial to the cigar-making journey as the filler and wrapper. While it doesn’t have to be pretty to get the job done, the binder leaf must be high-quality and carefully applied to give you a picture-perfect smoking experience.