Flavor Contribution

[rodwha]

I'm wondering how/why it is that it's the wrapper (or binder?) that provides the bulk of a cigar's flavor. Why wouldn't it be the filler? Is not the filler the bulk of the tobacco?

[Nature]

I am not sure that the wrapper provides the bulk of the flavor. I think it is the wrapper that contributes mostly to differentiating the flavors. That, and the filler and wrapper are blended to complement each other, so I guess in a round about way, it does kind of dictate the flavor profile. My theory, anyway.

I know I have heard that you can switch out wrappers. Anybody up for an experiment?

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w560/mwright66/C2FF954D-BED2-4A40-97B9-0DFDA84481DB_zpstznbm3s2.gif (http://s1329.photobucket.com/user/mwright66/media/C2FF954D-BED2-4A40-97B9-0DFDA84481DB_zpstznbm3s2.gif.html)

[TreySC]

I think it also depends on the size of the cigar. If you have a 60rg there will be less wrapper to filler/binder than say a lancero or a corona.

[Emperor Zurg]

I'm also among the heretics who don't buy the 'bulk of the flavor' conventional wisdom, although I do believe the wrapper and binder contribute a significant amount to the overall profile. Anyone who doesn't think so, just smoke thru the band once. You definitely know when you've hit it.

[BlueDevil07]

IMO the filler is the body of the cigar, while the wrapper is the soul. Go with 38-44 RG sticks if you want more of the wrapper flavor, but 44-54 will give more balance between wrapper and filler. However, this is just my experience. If I go to 60 RG sticks, the wrapper seems to get diluted out of the mix.

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I am not sure that the wrapper provides the bulk of the flavor. I think it is the wrapper that contributes mostly to differentiating the flavors. That, and the filler and wrapper are blended to complement each other, so I guess in a round about way, it does kind of dictate the flavor profile. My theory, anyway.

I know I have heard that you can switch out wrappers. Anybody up for an experiment?

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w560/mwright66/C2FF954D-BED2-4A40-97B9-0DFDA84481DB_zpstznbm3s2.gif (http://s1329.photobucket.com/user/mwright66/media/C2FF954D-BED2-4A40-97B9-0DFDA84481DB_zpstznbm3s2.gif.html)

As a chemist, that is the best emoji ever.

[Zeede]

In a medium RG, the wrapper is about 30-40% of the flavor, I'm told. The binder generally contributes very little to the flavor profile, while the filler is the majority. Kind of like saying that the patty contributes X% of flavor for a slider versus a regular-sized hamburger.

Some people love lanceros because the wrapper contributes a great percentage of the flavor.

IMO, a properly blended cigar should utilize the flavors to combine into something more than the sum of the parts.

[Bruck]

It's the filler where you get most of the flavor.

But of course all components are chosen by a skilled blender to complement each other, so it's easy to associate a certain flavor with the wrapper.

[Bruck]

I'm also among the heretics who don't buy the 'bulk of the flavor' conventional wisdom, although I do believe the wrapper and binder contribute a significant amount to the overall profile. Anyone who doesn't think so, just smoke thru the band once. You definitely know when you've hit it.

Or leave the cellophane on :)

[rodwha]

And gauge is one thing I've often read as it will impart its prominence. I've tried 3 different sticks of the same kind (CAO Gold Corona, Robusto, and Karat) and haven't noticed a difference. Not that I can perceive, but then my palate is not in league with those I read about describing flavors. I'd still assume I'd detect a difference...