Cedar Sticks or Cedar Strips for Cigars? A Tradition Born in Cuba

Cedar Strips for Cigars

For cigar enthusiasts, the use of cedar strips or cedar sticks to light cigars is a deeply rooted tradition that goes beyond simply lighting a cigar. It’s a ritual, an experience, and a connection to history. Whether they are called cedar strips or cedar sticks, both terms describe the same thing: thin, finely crafted pieces of Spanish cedar wood that enhance the cigar-smoking experience.

Cedar Strips for Cigars

The difference in terminology often comes down to language and cultural perception. In English, “strips” refers to flat, narrow slices of wood, often cut in long, rectangular shapes, while “sticks” generally refers to small, cylindrical pieces. However, both terms essentially describe the same product and serve the same purpose. It’s a matter of semantics and usage, with cedar strips being more common in the United States and cedar sticks being preferred in other regions.

Despite the difference in names, both cedar strips and sticks share a common origin: Cuba. The use of cedar to enhance the cigar-smoking experience dates back to the early 20th century in Cuba, the birthplace of many of the world’s most prestigious cigars. In Cuba, cedar strips (or tiritas de cedro) were used not only to light cigars but also to impart a distinct, aromatic flavor and aroma that enhanced the smoking experience. This tradition quickly spread to other parts of the world, with aficionados around the globe adopting similar practices. In Cuban culture, the scent of cedar wood was considered a perfect complement to the rich, earthy flavors of cigars.

The significance of using cedar to light cigars goes beyond its ability to enhance flavor. Cedar is naturally resistant to insects, making it an ideal wood to store cigars. It also maintains an optimal humidity level, keeping cigars fresh and preserving their delicate flavors. It’s no wonder that cedar has become synonymous with the art of cigar making and smoking. Using cedar to light cigars allows smokers to engage in a full sensory experience — the aroma of the wood and the smoke, combined with the flavors of the cigar itself, create a moment of pure enjoyment.

Why Cedar Strips or Cedar Sticks?

Cedar Strips for Cigars

But why should you choose cedar strips or cedar sticks over traditional lighters or matches? One of the main advantages is that cedar strips and cedar sticks offer a clean and aromatic burn, which doesn’t alter the flavor of the cigar. When using a butane lighter or a match, the chemicals in the gas or sulfur can contaminate the flavor of the cigar, which defeats the purpose of smoking a premium cigar. Cedar, on the other hand, provides a natural and flavor-neutral way to light your cigar, ensuring that the full flavor profile of the tobacco is preserved.

Moreover, the use of cedar in cigars has been a part of the Cuban tradition for decades. The iconic image of a Cuban cigar being lit with a cedar strip is a reflection of the country’s reverence for quality and craftsmanship in the cigar-making process. Using cedar strips or sticks is a way of honoring this tradition and connecting to the roots of cigar culture.

At La Flama de Cuba, we are proud to offer cedar strips and sticks that uphold this rich tradition. Our products are crafted from the finest Spanish cedar, ensuring that every strip or stick you use enhances the flavor and aroma of your cigar. Whether you call them cedar strips or cedar sticks, they are more than just a tool — they are a part of the story of Cuban cigar culture, a story that we continue to tell today.

Coming Soon: The Original Cedar Strips for Cigars — A Cuban Tradition Since 1928.

Stay tuned as we prepare to release these handcrafted cedar strips, made with the same care and attention to detail that has defined Cuban cigars for over a century. This isn’t just a product; it’s a way to connect to the past, to honor the tradition, and to enjoy cigars the way they were meant to be enjoyed.