Every smoke cloud has a silver lining

The difficulty in keeping cigars is the main reason why Sanchez sees more growth prospects for specialized lounges than shops in China.

"What the market needs right now is more cigar lounges, a place where people can enjoy a good Habano in the right environment," he said.

Zhang Yitao contributed to this story.

Facts and figures

Size and look

Cuban cigars are usually divided into two basic forms. Straight cigars are known as Parejos. They come in different sizes, including the Robusto, Churchill, Corona, Lonsdale, Panetela and Cigarillo. They have round or conical heads. Different shaped cigars are known as Figurados and include Perfecto, Pyramid and Culebra.

How to judge the size

This is quoted by ring size, or diameter, as a number of 64th of an inch. For example, a ring size of 50 (19.8 millimeters) represents 50/64 of an inch. Cigar lengths are produced to a metric dimension but are not in general use.

Charting the weight

While there is a chart relating to the weight of cigars issued by Habanos SA, the arm of the Cuban state tobacco company, it cannot be used to test authenticity. Individual weights vary enormously due to hand roll techniques and moisture content.

Standard packaging

Quality cigars come in a stand dress box, except for cigars wrapped in cedar and placed in individual metal tubes.

Storing your cigars

Ideally, they should be stored in a humidor set at the right temperature and humidity levels. Stable temperatures and humidity controls are critical for cigars. Also, they should be stored where they cannot be affected by strong odors or fumes such as paint, varnish or petrol. The ideal temperature is between 16oC to 18oC (61oF to 64oF). Humidity levels should be controlled within a range of 65 percent to 70 percent RH.

Cigar strength

Habanos SA rates the country's cigars using a single term, which takes into account flavor, body and strength. Medium strength cigars include Cohiba (Siglo), Flor de Cano, Punch, Romeo y Julieta and Trinidad. Medium to full strength includes Cohiba (Classic), Cohiba (Maduro), Jose L Piedra, Juan Lopez and Montecristo. Full strength includes Bolivar, Cohiba (Behike), Partagas, Ramon Allones and Saint Luis Rey.

SOURCE: HTTP://WWW.CUBANCIGARWEBSITE.COM/