The roller’s work turns prepared leaves into a cigar with defined dimensions. The sequence is easier to understand by looking separately at the inner construction and the outer finish.

Habanos describes the selection and arrangement of the filler on the binder to form the bunch. That assembly goes into a mould. Then the roller prepares the wrapper, wraps the cigar, finishes the head and adjusts the length. Among the roller’s tools are the work board, the chaveta and the implements for measuring and cutting.

The mould marks an intermediate stage: the bunch already has its shape, but still has to receive its outer leaf and the finishing of the head. Recognising that moment helps when following a workshop demonstration. The finished cigar brings together decisions about inner arrangement, shape and presentation that are made in successive steps.