The wrapper
defines the outer appearance of a cigar. Manufacturers know this and for this
reason, they take great care of its appearance since, in some way, it is an
indicator of the content capable of impacting the buyer's decision.
Although in
the world of cigars there are many topics that generate controversy, the debate
about the leaf that wraps cigars and its impact on the flavor is perhaps one of
the most intense and, as expected, opinions are contradictory. Some industry
experts claim that up to 75% of a cigar's flavor and aroma comes from the
wrapper, while others say that its influence on flavor is minimal and that its
importance lies in appearance.
In any
case, it is very important to know their different attributes and to know that,
as one of the most important ingredients in cigars, the wrapper leaves are
carefully cultivated, aged and selected.
Conditions
of the production process
In order to
wrap the cigar perfectly, the leaves must be large, thick and free from the
slightest deterioration, a requirement that is fully met by those located in
the lower sections of the tobacco plant.
The color
of the wrapper leaf of a cigar is completely natural. It is determined by
several factors, of which the fermentation process to which the previously
dried leaves are subjected is perhaps the most important, although the greater
or lesser exposure to the sun also counts. The color varies from a very light
brown to a very dark brown, with some green variations. The shine comes from
the effect the aging process has on certain oils in the leaf.
While there
are about 50 types of wrapper leaves, there are four main or basic types which,
from light to dark, are Connecticut, Corojo, Habano, and Maduro.
• Connecticut:
This well-known leaf comes from this northeastern US state, although its
seed is also grown in Ecuador. The plant is grown in the shade to protect it
from excess sunlight, which is why it is also known by the name of "Connecticut
shade". This condition is responsible for its mild flavor, with hints of
spices and cedar, and its low nicotine content. The renowned Montecristo brand
wears a Connecticut wrapper.
• Corojo:
Although the seed of this leaf is of Cuban origin, today it is grown mainly in
Honduras. This wrapper, with its characteristic hot and spicy flavor, is
slightly darker than the Connecticut wrapper. The famous Camacho Corojo cigars
use it as a wrapper.
• Habano:
Also originally from Cuba, it currently comes from the Nicaraguan fields. Its
color is similar to that of the Corojo and its flavor is also spicy, although
it is somewhat stronger. It is often highly nicotine-laden, which can make an
unaccustomed smoker uncomfortable. To explore this wrapper, you can try a brand
like Perdomo Habano.
• Maduro:
It is the leaf with the longest useful life of the four basic types of wrapper
and also the darkest. Its characteristic chocolate brown color, very dark, is
the result of the prolonged growth and aging process to which it is subjected,
which implies that to be classified as Maduro, an abundant and thick leaf is
needed, capable of withstanding the long process without deteriorating. These
leaves add sweetness to the flavor of a cigar.
Other
highly requested wrappers among smokers are Candela, Sumatra, Dark and
Cameroon.
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