Please explain the culebras vitola

[tmac77]

After reading this from our own AT Groom, I'm starting to think I've been smoking Culebras wrong all these years...

http://duskybeauties.com/partagas-culebras/

On three separate occasions I have seen culebras smoked as one. In one instance the individual was adamant that they are supposed to be smoked this way despite my informing him that they are to be separated first. Just as bad was witnessing someone lighting up a cedar encased cigar with the cedar still on it. Almost set his face on fire.

[ATGroom]

I hadn't read this review yet but it's hilarious, i am literally on the ground in fits.

Well written Alex... well written.

Thanks guys.

I won't go as far as to say they're better all at once than they are individually, but it does work surprisingly well. Don't knock it till you've tried it!

[DWC]

Where did I read that the Culebras were originally made for the rollers. They had a daily allotment of 3 cigars to smoke. Because of the cigars being quite bent from the braiding, it was obvious if they were smoking their ration or if they grabbed something off the rolling table to smoke.

I wish I had a better memory of where I read some of these things. Can anyone here confirm this story?

-Dan

[DrunkenMonkey]

On three separate occasions I have seen culebras smoked as one. In one instance the individual was adamant that they are supposed to be smoked this way despite my informing him that they are to be separated first. Just as bad was witnessing someone lighting up a cedar encased cigar with the cedar still on it. Almost set his face on fire.

Should have taken a video of both!

[Smallclub]

Can anyone here confirm this story?

I can confirm that's the most accepted explanation; I heard it for the first time in the mid 70's.

[TheLiquidGator]

Where did I read that the Culebras were originally made for the rollers. They had a daily allotment of 3 cigars to smoke. Because of the cigars being quite bent from the braiding, it was obvious if they were smoking their ration or if they grabbed something off the rolling table to smoke.

I wish I had a better memory of where I read some of these things. Can anyone here confirm this story?

-Dan

Dan,

I was told the same exact story by a man that works for Oliva. He has been in the business a long time.

[MrGinger]

Picked this up a few years ago in Havana

[ogus]

the fabled Johnny O offers Custom Churchill Culebras sometimes

dems gooduns

[reffy]

If anyone's interested in seeing one being folded up this man makes a 4-cigar culebra.

[smokenj]

Your post is confusing. Do you like them or not? LOL

Never mind...got it. Who rolls custom culebras? Never seen that!

I have a friend who has a boutique store here in NJ. He only sells his own cigars and they make a culebras from time to time.

[FLB03TT]

I simply must see Rob and Ken do a video review smoking all three as one. My guess is that Rob would be laughing so hard that he would be unable to finish the 3 banger, or the review. And I could give a **** what flavor notes they experience.

[ATGroom]

Where did I read that the Culebras were originally made for the rollers. They had a daily allotment of 3 cigars to smoke. Because of the cigars being quite bent from the braiding, it was obvious if they were smoking their ration or if they grabbed something off the rolling table to smoke.

I wish I had a better memory of where I read some of these things. Can anyone here confirm this story?

-Dan

From the MRN encyclopaedia:

"It is also interesting that in recent years a very popular story goes around about the culebras like this: 'In the old days cigar rollers were only rationed 3 small cigars a day for personal consumption. To prevent rollers stealing the cigars they made, one culebras was rationed to each roller per day. As the cigars were twisted, rollers who stole their production for smoking could easily be spotted.'

The inventor of this story simply overlooked the fact that any cigar roller could twist the cigars they made into any shape they like. The number of factory rejects far out numbered the 3 cigars ration per roller per day. Specifically making 3 cigars for the consumption of the roller was far more cost-ineffective than allowing them to smoke the rejects."

Elsewhere in the entry he says that the culebra is a Philippine invention from the mid-19th century created based on the idea that a thicker cigar matures better than a thin one, and a culebra is a way to make a thin cigar mature like a thick one. Cuba never took it seriously, although in effect the bundles in a 25 and 50 cab accomplish the same end.

[shlomo]

I have a friend who has a boutique store here in NJ. He only sells his own cigars and they make a culebras from time to time.

I meant Cuban customs. I know nothing about NCs.

[soutso]

Great thread.

I too enjoyed one via Trevor's generosity. As a result it's on my list of boxes that I will buy.

It looked like a cigar salvaged from a car crash.

I don't think I'd even try to smoke it like Alex did. The individual stick deserves its undivided attention.

Whilst on appearance it looks a novelty cigar it is anything but.

[LGC]

I am more likely to accept the origin as an aging method proposed by producers in the Phillippines. I don't buy the story often told by "experts"

https://m.reddit.com/r/cigars/comments/33ba2y/lets_learn_together_the_history_of_the_culebra/

[ATGroom]

And then there's this mythical beast...

[CaptainQuintero]

And then there's this mythical beast...

10357250_10205601964437219_508060186918188383_n.jpg

Wowee! Smoked one?

[JohnS]

And then there's this mythical beast...

10357250_10205601964437219_508060186918188383_n.jpg

Haha...yes, more mythical than the past Cuban H.Upmann, Romeo y Julieta and current Partagas releases!

[Ghabanos]

Agreed. Not a gimmick at all. Delicious cigar and great to share with 2 friends! One of the best Partagas has to offer.

Can second that.

[Cornell]

Correct me if I am wrong but the story goes as follow .. Torcedors smoked 3 cigars daily and they bundled them for easy transport.

[Smallclub]

Correct me if I am wrong but the story goes as follow .. Torcedors smoked 3 cigars daily and they bundled them for easy transport.

Easy transport to where? And culebras are not just "bundled", they're cleverly twisted…

[MC4]

After reading this from our own AT Groom, I'm starting to think I've been smoking Culebras wrong all these years...

http://duskybeauties.com/partagas-culebras/

This reminded me of the picture I saw where a rapper was smoking what seemed like a RyJ Cedros, with the cedar on it.

Wish I had the picture.

[Cornell]

Easy transport to where? And culebras are not just "bundled", they're cleverly twisted…

Factory to home? Bundled, twisted, all semantics to me.

Either way, I did state " correct me if I am wrong". Didn't I?

[smokum]

Nothing like unbundling a Party Culebra with 2 buddies. Fantastic smoke. Still have one (3) left in the humi and a box with 8 years in storage down under ! Gonna have to get those home.

[JoeyGunz]

Pulled one out at the BBQ Saturday, ended up losing them to the flying hands, was a good laugh everyone trying them and seeing the difference between the tastes from the wrappers.

I pulled out a P2 and left the others too it.