A cigar smoker has preferences. The perfect cigar needs to have the perfect cigar wrapper.
While new smokers might not know the importance, cigar wrapper leaves play a huge role.
Think of it like art. A wrapper can make your cigar seem like perfection or completely ruin the vibe.
This article will talk about the different types of cigar wrappers and the characteristics that set them apart.
Cigar Wrappers Basics
A cigar wrapper is the lifeblood of a cigar. Some experts believe that 60% to 90% of a cigar’s taste comes from the wrapper it has.
It is the leaf that brings it all together. There’s no surprise that there are so many different types of cigar wrappers, each with its own distinct characteristic.
Avid smokers take cigar wrappers into consideration.
This is why you would see a smoker’s eyes light up like a child on Christmas when they enter a cigar shop.
The options to choose from can be upwards of 50 based on the selection a specific shop has.
Let’s dive into the basics of cigar wrappers. They are derived from the thicker, lower section of a tobacco plant.
Since the wrapper is an integral part, farmers take special care of the plant and protect it from blemishes.
Next comes the sheen. This is from the aging process of various oils in the leaf, which gives that beautiful cigar wrapper glow.
Finally, the color. The color of the wrapper leaves relies on the aging process. Tobacco leaves start off as green.
They start turning brown after time. The darker the color, the longer the leaf has aged.
To be called a genuinely attractive wrapper, a leaf must be thin and delicate, with as few visible veins as possible.
So, the cigar wrapper is a big deal for any avid smoker and can make all the difference between a smooth drag and a coughing fit.
Natural Cigar Wrappers
The first type of cigar wrapper is “natural.” These are distinguished by their light-tan color leaves.
The taste profile is similar to cedar, cashews, and almonds. In addition, you can taste a hint of spices in certain types of natural Connecticut wrappers.
The natural cigar wrapper leaf is widely accepted by most smokers. The simplicity that it offers is second to none and makes it a fan favorite all over the world.
There are several different iterations of natural cigar wrappers, such as Habano, Corojo, and Candela.
They are differentiated not only by the flavor they offer but the color of the leaf and the drag that they offer.
Let’s discuss each type of natural cigar wrapper and how they differ from each other.
Connecticut Shade
The first type in the natural cigar wrappers is the Connecticut shade.
The wrapper is honey-colored to almost golden and offers a smooth and rich texture in each drag.
The production process of this wrapper can be tedious and requires a lot of maintenance.
However, it can give you a delicious cashew and coffee infusion with unmatched nicotine density if done properly.
This cigar wrapper is sought after by many cigar smokers.
Habano
Hailing from Cuba, the Habano is one of the natural cigar wrappers that requires a fermentation process. The process gives it its dark color and distinct flavor profile.
A perfectly fermented Habano quality wrapper can offer flavors that other wrappers fail to provide. The wrapper offers a spicy flavor with a hint of coffee.
This, accompanied by the intense aroma, makes it the top dog of natural cigar wrappers. It is a must-have for any cigar smoker.
Corojo
Another entry coming out of Cuba, the Corojo is a darker leaf wrapper than the Connecticut shade. The flavors smoking this type of wrapper offer a bit of a kick.
You can taste a spicy, almost peppery tinge from the wrapper. It is a flavor loved by most cigar smokers.
At the same time, the wrapper does have a more robust texture and thickness, making it slightly harder to smoke. It makes up its rich aroma and strong flavors.
Therefore, it may cause a buzz feeling for beginners.
Candela
We move on to the wrapper leaf, which is the easiest to distinguish.
If you put a Candela wrapper cigarette in a box of Cuban cigars, you can pull it out in an instant. This is because of the color of the wrapper.
The Candela is produced through a quick aging process where the leaf is still green in color.
It offers a grassy flavor with hints of tea and cedar accompanying it.
This wrapper is every cigar smoker’s initiation.
Maduro Cigar Wrappers
Time to talk about the big boy leagues. We talk about the famous Maduro cigar wrappers.
The name was coined because of the process. The fermentation process of Maduro cigar wrappers is unique and results in dark brown colors.
It is famous for its rich colors and aroma, which makes it unique.
The colors can range from dark brown to jet-black depending on the fermentation, aging process, and the region in which the tobacco leaves grow.
The Maduro wrapper basically means that it was derived from a mature tobacco plant.
Since aging and fermentation are long for these types of wrappers, they develop a complex flavor.
This is why there are specific tobacco leaves grown that are built to withstand the fermentation process and deliver the best results.
Before the 1980s, Maduro did not exist. It was never the need of the time, and because of that, it was never achieved.
As people started demanding more rich and more flavorful cigars, the Maduro came into being.
The Maduro cigar has different intensities of flavor and aroma. Let us discuss the top Maduro cigar wrappers and how they differentiate from each other.
Connecticut Broadleaf
Broadleaf is one of the most popular choices among cigar smokers globally.
Producers also prefer it because of its ability to withstand the harsh fermentation process.
The flavors are a lot more complex than you can find in natural wrappers.
The Connecticut Broadleaf has hints of dark chocolate, cedar, and raisins, making for a strong texture, taste, and aroma.
You can also taste a tinge of spice. These characteristics are what sets the Connecticut Broadleaf apart.
Oscuro
The Oscuro, better known as the double Maduro, is one of the most intense flavor profiles on this list.
This is because they are fermented much longer than the traditional Maduro wrapper. Talk about a hit.
Similar to Broadleaf, the flavors range from strong cedar and dark chocolate with the added kick of the spices.
The difference lies in the richness you feel with every drag you take.
Ecuador
With its leathery hue and dark, almost chocolatey shade, the Equador wrapping paper is one of the most prolific in terms of taste.
Not only does the cigar offer a smooth and rich drag, but the flavors will also leave you wanting more.
The hint of hickory amongst the ground coffee flavor can get any cigar smoker salivating.
We believe that if you are looking to move from natural wrappers to Maduro, this should be the first one to try.
Ecuador Connecticut
This is the perfect example of when you bring together natural wrappers with Maduro. They are created from planting Connecticut seeds in Ecuador.
It may look similar to the Connecticut shade, but the wrapper comes off as paler and dryer. The real difference is in the taste.
While you can still taste the spice, it is accompanied by a leathery undertone. It is a mature and complex flavor that really drives it home for avid cigar smokers.
Ecuador Habano
The Cubans are the kings of cigars. So it’s no surprise that Ecuador Habano is when Cuban seeds are grown in the Ecuador region. It is a much spicier variant of Ecuador Connecticut.
The wrapper is dark brown and sports a reddish hue. The wrapper offers a spicy flavor with undertones of dried fruits and leathery floral flavors.
It is a full-bodied cigar with a much richer taste and aroma. The cigar will be the crown jewel of your collection and a joy to smoke every time.
Ecuador Sumatra
Next on the list, we have one of the darkest variants of the Ecuador family.
The Ecuador Sumatra is considered the best iteration of the Sumatra wrapper leaf and makes for a great cigar.
They boast a look of luxury. If you have this in your humidor, you will come off as minted. The elegance of the wrapper is further improved by its taste.
While the taste may vary depending on where it was produced, it sets the bar in terms of flavor and aroma.
Nicaraguan
These are the most authentic cigar wrapper leaves in the market. The dry texture of the cocoa-colored wrapper makes it look elegant.
It isn’t all about looks, though. Nicaraguan delivers in terms of taste and aroma.
The complex mixture of flavors ranging from cedar, pepper, cocoa, and nuts gives it a unique flavor enjoyed by most cigar aficionados out there.
San Andreas
Originating from Mexico in the San Andreas valley, the wrapper comes from the rich soil.
Tobacco leaves grown in rich soil tend to translate into cigar wrapper.
San Andreas has one of the richest flavors and aromas.
The mixture of fresh coffee beans, dark chocolate, nuts, and spices will bring an explosion of flavor with every drag.
Its flavor and oily complexion make it a great Maduro cigar wrapper.
