Tobaccopedia
A Smoke Signals Canada Reference Guide
Welcome to Tobaccopedia, your comprehensive guide to the language, terminology, and culture surrounding tobacco, cigarettes, cigars, rolling papers, blends, cuts, and traditional use. Whether you’re new to tobacco products or looking to deepen your knowledge, this resource provides clear, accessible definitions of the most commonly used terms in the world of tobacco.
A–Z Tobacco Glossary
A
Additive-Free
Tobacco that contains no added chemicals, flavourings, or preservatives. This refers only to added ingredients — not whether the product is safer.
Aging
The process of allowing tobacco leaves to rest and mature, improving flavour and reducing harshness.
Aroma
The scent of tobacco when unlit or burning. Often used to describe cigars and pipe tobacco.
B
Binder (Cigar)
The middle layer of a cigar that holds the filler tobacco together beneath the wrapper.
Blend
A mixture of different tobacco types or cuts to achieve a specific flavour, strength, or burn quality.
Burley
A popular air‑cured tobacco known for its mild flavour and ability to absorb added flavours well.
C
Casing
A light flavouring or sweetening applied to tobacco during processing.
Cavendish
A type of pipe tobacco created through heat and pressure, producing a sweet, smooth flavour.
Cigarillo
A small cigar, typically machine‑made, often without a filter.
Curing
The process of drying tobacco leaves after harvest. Methods include air‑curing, flue‑curing, fire‑curing, and sun‑curing.
F
Filler (Cigar)
The inner tobacco leaves that make up the bulk of a cigar’s body.
Flue‑Cured
Tobacco dried using heated air in a controlled environment. Produces bright, aromatic leaves (common in cigarette blends).
Filter
A material at the end of a cigarette designed to reduce harshness and catch some particulates.
H
Hand‑Rolled
A cigarette or cigar rolled manually rather than by machine.
Harshness
A term describing the sharp, biting sensation in the throat or nose when smoking.
L
Leaf
The raw tobacco leaf used in cigars, roll‑your‑own products, and traditional uses.
Long Filler
Whole tobacco leaves used in premium cigars, providing a slow, even burn.
M
Machine‑Made
Cigarettes or cigars produced using automated equipment. Typically more consistent and affordable.
Mellow
A smooth, mild flavour profile with low harshness.
N
Nicotine
A naturally occurring compound in tobacco that produces stimulating effects.
Nicotiana Tabacum
The primary species of tobacco used in commercial products.
P
Pipe Tobacco
A broad category of tobacco blends designed for use in smoking pipes. Often aromatic and coarser in cut.
Premium Cigar
A cigar made entirely from long‑filler tobacco and hand‑rolled.
R
Rib (Stem)
The central vein of a tobacco leaf. Often removed during processing.
Rolling Paper
Thin paper used to roll cigarettes. Available in various materials such as hemp, rice, and wood pulp.
S
Shag Cut
A very fine, string‑like cut of tobacco used for roll‑your‑own cigarettes.
Strength
A measure of how strong or bold a tobacco blend feels when smoked. Influenced by nicotine content and leaf type.
Sun‑Cured
Tobacco dried naturally in the sun, producing a light, aromatic flavour.
T
Traditional Tobacco
Tobacco used in cultural or ceremonial contexts by Indigenous communities. Not commercial and not intended for recreational use.
Turkish Tobacco
A small‑leaf, sun‑cured tobacco known for its aromatic, slightly spicy character.
W
Wrapper (Cigar)
The outermost leaf of a cigar. Smooth, visually appealing, and responsible for much of the cigar’s flavour.