Ever Seen a Braided Cigar? Learn How Culebras Are Crafted!

Culebra cigars are a unique and fascinating choice for cigar enthusiasts. Originating in the mid-19th century, these braided cigars are not only a visual delight but also offer a rich history and intricate craftsmanship.

The term “culebra” translates to snake in Spanish. A Culebra cigar typically consists of a trio of underfilled Panetelas, each measuring 6 x 38, braided around one another and often secured at both ends with ribbons. In some cases, such as the Davidoff Discovery Culebra, the trio comprises a Nicaragua, a Yamasa, and an Escurio cigar, each with a small band indicating its name at the foot. La Flor Dominicana did the same thing too, with three blends in one Culebra.

The origin of the Culebra cigar dates back to the mid-19th century in the Philippines, where the Compañia General de Tabacos Filipinas began producing these unique cigars in 1881. Evidence suggests that Culebras were also being made in the United States around the same time, with examples like the 1890 “Filbert’s Twisters” from Ohio.

To create a Culebra, the cigars, usually Panetelas, are intentionally underfilled to allow for braiding without damaging them. The wetter-than-usual tobacco ensures flexibility during the manipulation process. The cigars are then tied together at one end, braided, and tied off again to retain their twisted shape as they age. Some makers use cigar bands or large caps on top of the cigars.

While some may attempt to smoke all three cigars simultaneously, it is not recommended. Instead, the tradition is to share the Culebra with friends. To smoke a Culebra, untie the strings, remove any bands or caps, and enjoy the unique draw. The Culebra is known for its novelty, and it is not the most practical cigar to carry around, as noted in the Auckland Star’s 1890 description as “a novelty…formed of three cigars plaited together.”

Another, unconfirmed, origin story is that cigar rollers in Cuba are allowed to bring three cigars home for personal consumption and that management, to avoid theft and distinguish the personal cigars and the regular production cigars, forced workers to tie the cigars together. But since only three Cuban brands ever produced culebra cigars, that seems unlikely. Plus, Cuban rollers aren’t allowed to bring cigars home for personal consumption anyway.

Today, the Culebra is produced by only a few brands since the Cuban revolution, including Partagás, H. Upmann, and Romeo y Julieta. Non-Cuban brands such as Tatuaje, Illusione, Rocky Patel, Davidoff, La Flor Dominicana, Oliva and Drew Estate have also created their versions of Culebras, contributing to the continued allure of this unique cigar shape either as regular production cigars or as limited releases.