There is always a lot of confusion about the wrapper and how it compliments the overall cigar experience.

The wrapper of a cigar contributes 60%-80% of the cigars overall flavor.  Wrapper can be grown in two ways – Shade grown, these leaves will typically be smoother, have smaller veins and should be slightly oily.  Sun-grown wrappers will typically be a little darker, have larger veins and should be velvety to the touch.  They will tend to have a full flavor and hint of sweetness as the increased sun exposure increases the sugars in the leaf.  All tobacco is ultimately grown in the sun but a shade grown leaf will be kept under the cover of clothes for longer periods of time before it is replanted in the field.

Here are some of the more predominantly used tobacco and their characteristics.

Criollo San Andres – Medium to full body, grown in Mexico’s Sav Andres Valley

San Andres Morron – Medium-bodied, dark and flavorful version of the above.  Rich and slightly sweet.

Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade – Slightly more flavorful and richer in color than Connecticut Shade

Ecuadorian Sumatra – Grown from Sumatran seed.  Mild flavor, hint of sweetness

Connecticut Shade – Mild to medium flavor, silky quality, lightly golden

Nicaraguan – Cuban-seed leaf grown in Nicaragua since the 1990′s

Indonesian TBN – An aromatic and rich wrapper.  Light color

Connecticut Broadleaf – Thick, oily and veiny wrapper leaf.  Full of flavors and aromas

Cameroon – Fragile, thin leaf.  Light flavor, sweet aroma

Ecuadorian Cubano – A Cuban-seed wrapper grown in Ecuador in shades from light to dark.  Full-Bodied, rich.

Check back next week for our blog about Binders and fillers.

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