Types Of Cigar Wrappers
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The outermost covering of cigars can come in a variety of colors. They are called cigar wrappers. They are quite attractive, and they play a massive role in the cigar’s overall flavor. As this article will show, the cigar wrappers vary in type.
Manufacturers of cigars know that the wrapper is the first thing people notice, influencing their sense of judgment about the cigar’s content. About 60%-90% of the flavor can be ascertained by merely seeing the wrapper; it is, therefore, essential to understand the attributes.
There are various types of cigar wrappers, and the leaves of the wrappers often determine their outcome and flavor. Read on to find out the different types of cigar wrappers and how they are made.
What Tobacco Leaves are used for Wrappers?
The leaves used for wrapping cigars are from the bottom part of the tobacco plant. More extensive and thicker leaves are the best in wrapping cigars. The shine is due to the effect of the aging process on some oils contained in the plate.
The leaves used as wrappers are vital parts of the cigar, so cultivators of tobacco ensure to take extra care to get the best of such leaves. This is to enhance the cigar flavor further.
Cigar wrappers also come in various colors – while some are light brown, some are a darker shade of brown.
All these variations of colors started as green, but as they age, they turn brown.
Approximately there are 50 different types of wrapper leaves, and they are all mainly from four classes, according to their shades. These classes include Connecticut, Corojo, Habano, and Maduro.
Connecticut
Connecticut originated from the Northeastern part of the United States. The cultivators plant it in shady conditions, like under cheesecloth sheets. Doing this will protect the plant from excessive sunlight and enhance the flavor with the soft tastes of cedar and spice—the smoothness and sophistication of cigars like the famous Macanudo and Montecristo.
Corojo
The Corojo was initially grown in Cuba, but now, the plant is grown in Honduras. The leaf is known for its spicy flavor, and it is a famous cigar wrapper. However, it is made from a tough plant and might be difficult to smoke. One of the cigar brands that use the Corojo wrapper is the Camacho Corojo cigars.
Habano
The Habano has its origin in Cuba. The plant relocated majorly because of the American embargo on Cuba, and it is now grown in Nicaragua. The wrapper is dense with nicotine, and it has a quality spiciness to it, which some smokers prefer. For those who are new to cigars, the flavor may be overpowering. Perdomo Habano is one of the brands that make use of the Habano wrappers.
Maduro
Among all the tobacco leaves used as cigar wrappers, the Maduro leaves have the most extended lifespan. The growing and aging of the plants yield a deep brown leaf color. Considering the challenges of growing a Maduro leaf to achieve quality flavors, it requires a lengthy growth and aging period. The taste of the Maduro is smooth and sweet.
Famous cigars such as CAO Maduro and Macanudo Maduro are some of the cigars wrapped in Maduro wrappers.
Types of Cigar Wrappers
The different methods of cultivating cigars often result in a variety of colors and textures. Though the cigar wrapper is a small portion of the cigar, the wrapper’s colors can determine its flavor intensity. The lighter cigars are typically milder in flavors, while the darker wrappers are richer.
Here are the most common types of cigar wrappers based on their hues:
Candela Wrapper
The Candela wrapper is typically associated with the American cigar market. The color of the Candela wrapper can range from a light green shade to intense green color. During cultivation, the leaves are flash-cured by using charcoal fire for a quick-drying process. They are traditionally fermented with candlelight, which resulted in the name “Candela.”
Oscuro Wrapper
The Oscuro wrapper is made from the part of the plant that is most exposed to the sun. Before cutting, they are left on the plant for as long as they can remain there. After cultivating, they go through a long and intense fermentation process.
The result is a very dark wrapper that has a rough texture and an intense flavor. Considering the length of time involved in achieving the Oscuro wrapper, they are among the rarest types.
Colorado Claro Wrapper
The Colorado Claro wrapper sports a medium brown color. It is grown in direct sunlight and allowed to mature before they cultivate it. The finishing is a natural cigar wrapper color that is neither too dark nor too light. It is sometimes called the English Market Selection.
Botton Line
Cigar wrappers play a massive role in both the outer aesthetics and flavor of cigars. Therefore, manufacturers put a lot of work into ensuring that they complement the cigar’s taste and meet cigar lovers’ expectations. This article has discussed some essential things you should know about cigar wrappers.
I have been smoking cigars for 30 years and counting, I started at 18 years old with mild Cubans and worked my way up to medium and now bold. I own 4 humidors, that I try to keep stocked at all times.
