Lexicon
Filler
The heart of the cigar — the blend of folded tobacco leaves that determines strength and flavour.
The filler (Spanish “tripa”) consists of several leaves from different positions on the tobacco plant, folded rather than pressed so that air can flow through the cigar. Its composition determines strength and flavour more decisively than the visible wrapper — it is composed by the blender. In hand-rolled premium cigars whole leaves are used (long filler), as distinct from the cut short filler.