Cigars handmade - totalmente a mano
"Totalmente a mano" (English: "completely handmade") is a term that was originally used exclusively for Cuban cigars but is now also used for cigars from other regions. Since 1989, boxes of Habanos cigars have been stamped with this label. Since 2002, the type of filler has also been indicated: "Tripa larga" for cigars with long filler and "Tripa corta" for cigars with short filler. Cuban premium cigars are always "Totalmente a mano," but other production methods are also marked with a stamp. For example, the term "Hecho a mano" indicates that the cigar is partially handmade. Boxes with machine-made cigars are stamped with "Mecanizado." All Cuban cigar boxes are also stamped with the origin label "Hecho in Cuba."
To simplify the comparison, here’s an overview of the abbreviations for the different production methods:
TAM = Totalmente a mano (Handmade Longfiller)
TAF = Totalmente a mano (Handmade Shortfiller)
HAM = Hecho a mano (Handmade in Cuba)
MM = Machine Made
Handmade is not always the same as handmade
Surely many of you have seen cigar boxes from countries other than Cuba that bear the label "Hecho a mano." Does this mean these cigars are automatically only partially handmade?
No. In other cigar-producing countries like Nicaragua, Honduras, Costa Rica, or the Dominican Republic, the label "Hecho a mano" or even "Totalmente a mano" is used for cigars that are completely handmade. However, in Cuba, even cigars made partially by machines still involve a considerable amount of handcrafting. These cigars, which are partly machine-made, are also labeled "Hecho a mano," while cigars that are entirely handmade, especially longfillers, are marked "Totalmente a mano." This may seem confusing at first, but it’s not as complicated as it seems.
After all, the manual crafting of cigars, especially in Cuba, is a skill that demands artistic craftsmanship. To create a genuine Cuban premium cigar, from the rolling of the wrapper leaf to the wrapping of the outer leaf, requires extensive practice and years of experience. The final step, where the wrapper is applied, requires the highest level of skill. "Totalmente a mano" is therefore not just a production label but also a hallmark of quality and a seal of excellence for Cuban premium cigars.
Totalmente a mano – A Seal of Quality for Premium Cigars
"Totalmente a mano" is a symbol of value and represents the traditional Cuban cigar-making art. It’s certainly not an exaggeration to say that it has global renown. Unfortunately, this success also attracts imitators. Always make sure to buy your Habanos from a reputable specialist retailer – it’s better for you, your cigar enjoyment, and ultimately your wallet.
Try one of the great Habanos classics and you’ll quickly understand what "Totalmente a mano" means, not only in terms of craftsmanship but also for your palate.
A true classic is, for example, the Cohiba Robustos
with its 50-ring gauge. The legendary Montecristo brand still produces its five original formats, which Alonso Menéndez established in 1935, including the flagship Montecristo No. 1
in the Lonsdale format, which continues to have countless admirers worldwide. Or, if you prefer something stronger, how about a Partagas Serie D No. 4
, one of the most popular Havana cigars ever?
All of these classics are still crafted by expert hands and are "Totalmente a mano," "Tripa larga," and "Hecho in Cuba."
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