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Tobacco leaves are grown to be harvested, and aged using a unique process that combines the use of both heat and shade to minimize the sugar and water content without causing the large leaves to disintegrate and rot. The initial process called curing takes from 25 to 45 days which can vary significantly depending on climatic conditions and how well sheds or barns are constructed to store the harvested tobacco. The curing process can be adjusted depending on the type of tobacco, and the desired color of the leaf. The next step in the process is called fermentation which is managed under conditions designed to ensure the leaves die slowly and gracefully. Both temperature and humidity are controlled to make sure the leaves ferment without rotting. This part of the process is where the flavor, burning, and aroma characteristics are primarily developed in the leaves. After aging is complete, they are sorted for use as filler or wrapper based upon their appearance and overall quality and appeal. The process continues with leaves constantly moistened and handled carefully to make sure each leaf is best used according to its individual qualities. Leaves are baled, inspected, unbaled, reinspected, and baled over and over throughout the aging cycle. At the point where the leaf has matured according to the desired specifications, it will be used in the final production of a cigar product. To this day, the creation of a quality cigar is still performed by hand. Experienced cigar rollers can produce hundreds of fine quality with consistent look and feel daily. Rollers, individuals, keep the tobacco moist, especially the “wrapper”, and use specially designed crescent-shaped knives, called a Chaveta, in order to form the filler and wrapper leaves fast and precisely. After the cigars are rolled, they are kept in wooden forms as they dry, at which point the uncapped ends are cut to a uniform size. At this point, the cigar is a complete product that can, if properly cared for, be kept indefinitely. If properly cared for, cigars are known to have lasted for decades if kept as close to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius), and 70% relative humidity. This can be accomplished by keeping the cigars in a humidor where conditions can be controlled for long periods of time. A dry cigar can be successfully re-humidified. For a full selection of cigars and accessories visit http://www.cigarsetc.com/