Wrappers, Binders & Fillers Oh My!

[LazyLightning]

Hi folks,
On my journey to increase my knowledge of all things cigar, I am trying to find out what dictates the strength, flavor profile, etc... of different sticks. I have been given some very helpful and might I add tasty suggestions by seasoned bums recently as I try to find what I like and what I don't.

However as I look at the different shapes, ring gauge, wrappers, fillers and binders, I am left wondering how each of these influence the cigar overall? In other words, if I like an AF 858 Flor Fina Maduro (which I do), should I look into other brands that are maduro as well, or would this be unwise? I believe knowing these details will help me make more informed decisions, and possibly help me avoid buying cigars that I simply won't like. I realize that there is always a possibility of getting a stick that just isn't right for me, so I am speaking in more general terms (if this makes any sense at all)

Thanks in advance!

[Brimy]

In my limited experience cigars are generally classified by by their wrapper. The binder & fillers are less labeled. Generally that will give you origins, but not details. Again, from my limited experience depending on the ring gauge, the smaller the more prominent, the wrapper will provide much of the strength/flavor.

[LazyLightning]

I am going about it in a similar manner that I tackled pipe tobacco, when I first started. I keep a "tobacco journal" (and now a cigar version) In it, I put everything from ring gauge, wrapper, binder, etc... and how well I liked it. With pipe tobacco this made it easier for me to see in which direction to go when trying new blends. It's not a perfect system, but I have found (again in regards to pipe tobacco) it really helps me have a general idea if a blend I haven't tried will be to my liking.

[Brimy]

I am going about it in a similar manner that I tackled pipe tobacco, when I first started. I keep a "tobacco journal" (and now a cigar version) In it, I put everything from ring gauge, wrapper, binder, etc... and how well I liked it. With pipe tobacco this made it easier for me to see in which direction to go when trying new blends. It's not a perfect system, but I have found (again in regards to pipe tobacco) it really helps me have a general idea if a blend I haven't tried will be to my liking.

That sounds like a great idea! I've relied on my "old man" memory!!

[Ciro]

Found this a while ago on the JRCigars Page

"A Guide To Cigar Wrappers"

The color and sheen of the exterior wrapper are the initial attributes a smoker notices when looking at a cigar. The wrapper provides an important marketing platform for the manufacturer and simultaneously informs the consumer as to the content and quality of the cigar.

As well, a cigar’s wrapper leaf can determine anywhere from 60% to 90% of the cigar’s overall flavor. A good trick to identify the significance of the wrapper is to cut an inch of wrapper leaf off the bottom of a cigar, stripping it much like a wire-stripper takes the insulator off of an electrical wire. This shows the filler and binder leaves only. This portion of the cigar will taste much less flavorful, and reveal the true importance of the wrapper.

It is important to acknowledge that the wrapper is often an attractive sales pitch for a cigar, much like an appealing album or book cover. At the very least, the wrapper is a message saying, “smoke me.” And though a quality wrapper often indicates a superior smoke, it usually affects the cigar’s composition and aesthetic more so than the entire flavor. In short, it introduces the cigar to the smoker and may or may not affect the taste and seasoning.

The Nitty Gritty
The ideal wrapper must have few to zero blemishes and larger than other leafs to properly wrap the cigar. This means that it usually comes from the lower levels of the cigar tobacco plant, where bigger (and often more flavorful) leaves grow. Also, it usually has a distinct sheen created by specific oils from aging process. Finally, the wrapper’s flavor is carefully cultivated and protected by cigar growers in order to provide the optimal taste and experience.

The Color
Wrappers range from light tan to dark brown; however one may find an occasional offbeat green wrapper, like those manufactured by Garcia Vega. All leaves are originally green, but the aging process is what brings the exterior its chocolate hue.

Furthermore, each shade is associated with a type, the name of which being principally determined by the region from which the seed originated, where it was actually grown and how. All in all, there are over 50 named wrapper leafs; many are mixes or “tweeners” of two different origins. Sometimes such hybrids are named because the seed was from one region but cultivated in another, such as an Ecuadorian Connecticut.

The Big Four
The four major wrapper leaves, from light to dark, are Connecticut, Corojo, Habano and Maduro.

Connecticut: As the name implies, this leaf comes from the Northeastern U.S. state and is essentially the only significant tobacco export from America. However, the seed is grown in Ecuador as well. This plant is nurtured under special conditions, garnering it the nickname “Connecticut Shade” because it is mostly grown under some form of protection – like giant sheets of cheesecloth. This keeps its color light and the unpredictable weather, such as excessive sun radiation, from beating up the plant. The lack of sunlight also contributes to the leaf’s mild flavor and low nicotine content, but it usually has a woody, spicy and/or cedar taste. Suggested examples include the beloved Macanudo and Montecristo cigars.

Corojo: A little darker in color than the Connecticut wrapper, the Corojo was originally grown in Cuba but, because of the embargo, it is now mostly grown in Honduras. Due to the new location, the seed needed to be genetically modified in order to survive in its new environment. This wrapper tends to have a very spicy, peppery, robust flavor, favored by many cigar smokers; however, one drawback to the wrapper is its toughness. It sometimes doesn’t smoke easily. To try it out, explore the Camacho Corojo.

Habano: is similar in color to Corojo and is also from Cuba, but today it grows mostly in Nicaragua. The leaf produces a heavy, spicy flavor and is often dense with nicotine, so it may overwhelm a beginner smoker. Discover this delicious wrapper with brands like the Perdomo Habano.

Maduro: is the darkest in color of the four and enjoys the lengthiest lifespan, from seedling to wrapper leaf. It goes through such a long process to properly darken and flavor the leaf properly. Because of these distinct parameters, to be classified as Maduro the wrapper requires a hearty, thick leaf that can withstand years of aging and still maintain its un-blemished cover quality. Not every leaf can be turned into a Maduro wrapper and, interestingly enough, they tend to defy their ominous looks. These cigars often produce a somewhat sweeter undercurrent, which has earned this style the nickname “dessert smoke.” To learn more about this specific wrapper.

Other Notable Wrappers
Some other wrappers worth mentioning are the Candela, Sumatra, Oscuro and Cameroon.

Candela: is distinctly green in color, which has much to do with its quick aging process. Though this doesn’t detract from its value, flavor or strength profiles. It is usually milder and sometimes used in short, promotional runs of cigars.

Sumatra: comes from the Indonesian region that bears the same name. Known for its cinnamon zest, it is usually mild and sweet. Light up a Hoyo de Monterey Dark Sumatra cigar and taste the full-bodied take on the Sumatra wrapper.

Oscuro: is a very dark cigar wrapper. These remarkable cigars are sometimes called double Maduro. Why? Because they are fermented for longer than the traditional Maduro wrap in order to achieve their intense color and flavor.

Cameroon: comes from the Central African country. The leaves of this plant have a unique “toothy” quality, which fortunately does not translate to the actual wrapper or its taste. The Cameroon is rich and savory. Intrigued by the African mystique? We recommend an H. Upmann Vintage Cameroon.

[Ciro]

This looks nice; seems like you can add your own notes a put the band on as well.

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/p/2684466991645?cm_mmc=GooglePLA-_-Book-_-Q000000633-_-2684466991645&cm_mmca2=pla&r=1

or this

Humidor Notes (http://humidornotes.com/)

[cbr310]

I wonder the same thing. I started keeping track of every stick I smoke. Going to go through and look at similarities to try and narrow it down.

Sent from my LG-H900 using Tapatalk

[LazyLightning]

Found this a while ago on the JRCigars Page

"A Guide To Cigar Wrappers"

The color and sheen of the exterior wrapper are the initial attributes a smoker notices when looking at a cigar. The wrapper provides an important marketing platform for the manufacturer and simultaneously informs the consumer as to the content and quality of the cigar.

As well, a cigar’s wrapper leaf can determine anywhere from 60% to 90% of the cigar’s overall flavor. A good trick to identify the significance of the wrapper is to cut an inch of wrapper leaf off the bottom of a cigar, stripping it much like a wire-stripper takes the insulator off of an electrical wire. This shows the filler and binder leaves only. This portion of the cigar will taste much less flavorful, and reveal the true importance of the wrapper.

It is important to acknowledge that the wrapper is often an attractive sales pitch for a cigar, much like an appealing album or book cover. At the very least, the wrapper is a message saying, “smoke me.” And though a quality wrapper often indicates a superior smoke, it usually affects the cigar’s composition and aesthetic more so than the entire flavor. In short, it introduces the cigar to the smoker and may or may not affect the taste and seasoning.

The Nitty Gritty
The ideal wrapper must have few to zero blemishes and larger than other leafs to properly wrap the cigar. This means that it usually comes from the lower levels of the cigar tobacco plant, where bigger (and often more flavorful) leaves grow. Also, it usually has a distinct sheen created by specific oils from aging process. Finally, the wrapper’s flavor is carefully cultivated and protected by cigar growers in order to provide the optimal taste and experience.

The Color
Wrappers range from light tan to dark brown; however one may find an occasional offbeat green wrapper, like those manufactured by Garcia Vega. All leaves are originally green, but the aging process is what brings the exterior its chocolate hue.

Furthermore, each shade is associated with a type, the name of which being principally determined by the region from which the seed originated, where it was actually grown and how. All in all, there are over 50 named wrapper leafs; many are mixes or “tweeners” of two different origins. Sometimes such hybrids are named because the seed was from one region but cultivated in another, such as an Ecuadorian Connecticut.

The Big Four
The four major wrapper leaves, from light to dark, are Connecticut, Corojo, Habano and Maduro.

Connecticut: As the name implies, this leaf comes from the Northeastern U.S. state and is essentially the only significant tobacco export from America. However, the seed is grown in Ecuador as well. This plant is nurtured under special conditions, garnering it the nickname “Connecticut Shade” because it is mostly grown under some form of protection – like giant sheets of cheesecloth. This keeps its color light and the unpredictable weather, such as excessive sun radiation, from beating up the plant. The lack of sunlight also contributes to the leaf’s mild flavor and low nicotine content, but it usually has a woody, spicy and/or cedar taste. Suggested examples include the beloved Macanudo and Montecristo cigars.

Corojo: A little darker in color than the Connecticut wrapper, the Corojo was originally grown in Cuba but, because of the embargo, it is now mostly grown in Honduras. Due to the new location, the seed needed to be genetically modified in order to survive in its new environment. This wrapper tends to have a very spicy, peppery, robust flavor, favored by many cigar smokers; however, one drawback to the wrapper is its toughness. It sometimes doesn’t smoke easily. To try it out, explore the Camacho Corojo.

Habano: is similar in color to Corojo and is also from Cuba, but today it grows mostly in Nicaragua. The leaf produces a heavy, spicy flavor and is often dense with nicotine, so it may overwhelm a beginner smoker. Discover this delicious wrapper with brands like the Perdomo Habano.

Maduro: is the darkest in color of the four and enjoys the lengthiest lifespan, from seedling to wrapper leaf. It goes through such a long process to properly darken and flavor the leaf properly. Because of these distinct parameters, to be classified as Maduro the wrapper requires a hearty, thick leaf that can withstand years of aging and still maintain its un-blemished cover quality. Not every leaf can be turned into a Maduro wrapper and, interestingly enough, they tend to defy their ominous looks. These cigars often produce a somewhat sweeter undercurrent, which has earned this style the nickname “dessert smoke.” To learn more about this specific wrapper.

Other Notable Wrappers
Some other wrappers worth mentioning are the Candela, Sumatra, Oscuro and Cameroon.

Candela: is distinctly green in color, which has much to do with its quick aging process. Though this doesn’t detract from its value, flavor or strength profiles. It is usually milder and sometimes used in short, promotional runs of cigars.

Sumatra: comes from the Indonesian region that bears the same name. Known for its cinnamon zest, it is usually mild and sweet. Light up a Hoyo de Monterey Dark Sumatra cigar and taste the full-bodied take on the Sumatra wrapper.

Oscuro: is a very dark cigar wrapper. These remarkable cigars are sometimes called double Maduro. Why? Because they are fermented for longer than the traditional Maduro wrap in order to achieve their intense color and flavor.

Cameroon: comes from the Central African country. The leaves of this plant have a unique “toothy” quality, which fortunately does not translate to the actual wrapper or its taste. The Cameroon is rich and savory. Intrigued by the African mystique? We recommend an H. Upmann Vintage Cameroon.

Thank you for this info, it will be very helpful moving forward.

[Sir Lancerolot]

Hi folks,
In other words, if I like an AF 858 Flor Fina Maduro (which I do), should I look into other brands that are maduro as well, or would this be unwise?

In general if you like a maduro of one variety, you will like maduros in general. They have a very distinctive flavor - earthy and sweet. However, you happened to pick an example that is one of two exceptions I have encountered. Fuente maduros do not taste typically "maduro-y" to me. Neither do ISOM Cohibas.

Also, Indonesian-grown Sumatra wrappers have a different flavor from Ecuadorian Sumatra wrappers, so be sure and try both.

[LazyLightning]

In general if you like a maduro of one variety, you will like maduros in general. They have a very distinctive flavor - earthy and sweet. However, you happened to pick an example that is one of two exceptions I have encountered. Fuente maduros do not taste typically "maduro-y" to me. Neither do ISOM Cohibas.

Also, Indonesian-grown Sumatra wrappers have a different flavor from Ecuadorian Sumatra wrappers, so be sure and try both.
I appreciate all this information very much, it can be a bit confusing when first starting out. I will give both of those a try as I find my way. I am finalizing an order right now with some more suggested cigars,can't wait to try them too.

[jhedrick83]

I appreciate all this information very much, it can be a bit confusing when first starting out. I will give both of those a try as I find my way. I am finalizing an order right now with some more suggested cigars,can't wait to try them too.

It just means you have to do more "research" :stogie:


In general if you like a maduro of one variety, you will like maduros in general. They have a very distinctive flavor - earthy and sweet. However, you happened to pick an example that is one of two exceptions I have encountered. Fuente maduros do not taste typically "maduro-y" to me. Neither do ISOM Cohibas.

Also, Indonesian-grown Sumatra wrappers have a different flavor from Ecuadorian Sumatra wrappers, so be sure and try both.

Mike is spot on with Fuente maduros, I always get more of a rasin-ish sweetness from them more than a an earthy sweet. Ciro's list is really helpful but like Mike said, where the seed is grown makes a big difference too. You can grow Connecticut or Habano seed in 4-5 different countries and it all will taste differently. Hell, growing it in different regions in different countries can produce different flavors. There's also how they ferment the tobacco that makes a difference. There's more than one way of curing tobacco and a lot of companies use different combinations of heat/humidity to cure.

What I did when I first got serious about cigars was keep a detailed journal of what I liked and didn't with all the info I could get on each blend. Even down to the Factory it came from if I could find it.There can be an overwhelming amount of info but the more you chip away the clearer things get.

[Sir Lancerolot]

I appreciate all this information very much, it can be a bit confusing when first starting out. I will give both of those a try as I find my way. I am finalizing an order right now with some more suggested cigars,can't wait to try them too.

For a good example of an Indonesian Sumatra, try Romeo y Julieta 1875 Cedro Deluxe No. 1 or 2. For a good cigar with an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper, try Rocky Patel Vintage 1992.

For a pretty good representation of the mainstream maduro, try Sancho Panza Double Maduro, or CAO Mx2. The list Ciro posted from JR says an oscuro wrapper is also called a double maduro, but that is kind of vintage info. Double maduro these days refers to rolling the cigar with a maduro binder as well as a maduro wrapper.

You should also try a Brazilian maduro - to me it is the most dead-on delicious maduro-y treat available. CAO Brasilia, and PDR 1878 Capa Madura are good choices. I like the PDR a little better. If you're willing to go up in price a bit, 262 Paradigm is a terrific cigar. Even though I roll a creditable maduro blend at home, I still like to have a few Paradigms on hand in the lancero vitola. It's kind of interesting to try all three brands - each is made with filler from a different country.

[droy1958]

That sounds like a great idea! I've relied on my "old man" memory!!

You're probably in trouble like me then (being an old man). It took me 3 months to discover that cellophane wrappers suck.....

[droy1958]

For a good example of an Indonesian Sumatra, try Romeo y Julieta 1875 Cedro Deluxe No. 1 or 2. For a good cigar with an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper, try Rocky Patel Vintage 1992.

For a pretty good representation of the mainstream maduro, try Sancho Panza Double Maduro, or CAO Mx2. The list Ciro posted from JR says an oscuro wrapper is also called a double maduro, but that is kind of vintage info. Double maduro these days refers to rolling the cigar with a maduro binder as well as a maduro wrapper.

You should also try a Brazilian maduro - to me it is the most dead-on delicious maduro-y treat available. CAO Brasilia, and PDR 1878 Capa Madura are good choices. I like the PDR a little better. If you're willing to go up in price a bit, 262 Paradigm is a terrific cigar. Even though I roll a creditable maduro blend at home, I still like to have a few Paradigms on hand in the lancero vitola. It's kind of interesting to try all three brands - each is made with filler from a different country.

I really like the PDR 1878 Capa Oscuro Liga #2....

[TreySC]

I think the moral of the story is, Smoke more cigars!

[cbr310]

Is it just me or the darker the stronger the cigar? I have a few real dark I'm scared to even try.

Sent from my LG-H900 using Tapatalk

[TreySC]

Is it just me or the darker the stronger the cigar? I have a few real dark I'm scared to even try.

Sent from my LG-H900 using Tapatalk

Generally darker cigars are stronger, but it's not always the case. I've had few naturals give me the spins before too.

[LazyLightning]

Thanks again everyone!

[Sir Lancerolot]

Is it just me or the darker the stronger the cigar? I have a few real dark I'm scared to even try.

When I was pretty new to cigars a great guy bombed me with a selection to try out. Included among them was an unbanded cigar that I couldn't identify. I asked him what it was, and his response was along the lines of, "You mean the dark, evil-looking torpedo? That's a Taboo Original Exotic Blend Maduro." And yes, it WAS a dark, evil-looking torpedo. Because of that (and the name didn't help to reassure me, either!), it sat in humidor for a long time while I smoked everything around it. I was actually afraid of smoking the darned thing. Finally I mustered my courage and gave it a try. Here's the text of my review posted on Puff in 2010:

With its dark, unbanded wrapper, slightly irregular shape, and a name with the words "Taboo" and "exotic," this looked like kind of an outlaw cigar.

Prelight draw was firm but not hard, and delivered a nice, rich, aged tobacco flavor with a hint of cocoa. It lit easily and burned pretty nicely. Went out once about halfway through, maybe as much my fault as the cigars, but relit easily. It really wanted to go out again with about 1.5 inches remaining, and I fought it a little bit, got another half inch burned, and then finally let it die.

Bandito cigar it may have looked, but it smoked really civilized. Earthy flavor up first, joined about an inch in with leather. Throughout the entire smoke there was just a hint of mint. The minty note held the same balance throughout, even as the main body of flavor shifted from pure earthy toward leather and a little wood. Somewhere after the first inch, a really fun peppery aftertaste popped up. Never tasted pepper in the draw, only felt its tingle and tasted its spice in the moments after exhaling.

Exhaling - ahhhh - lots of aromatic smoke. It smelled like rich guys hanging out in leather chairs around hand-carved wooden tables with glasses of favorite beverages close at hand.

Interestingly, although this cigar certainly placed well into the medium flavor range, it didn't drown out any of the white wines - not even a gentle, innocently fruity Riesling. It would have been better with a red, maybe, but there were times with the whites that I found a delicious, slightly smoky tropical fruit essence bursting on my palate. Exotic, indeed!

After a red-orange-pink-purple sunset that spread clear across to the East end of the cloudy sky, Jupiter shown incredibly brightly in the West, finding almost the only gap in the clouds. Further South and East, the moon lit up the growing cloud cover, and distant "heat lightning" flickered silently and sporadically across the sky.

As it grew later, the experience took on an almost elemental quality - a fiery ring swelling as I drew a breath of earth-flavored smoke. A storm-promising breeze carrying my exhaled wisps of gray and white into the darkness over the water. Almost two hours after lighting up, I let the Taboo go to sleep, and Pam and I headed inside.

Not long after, it began raining hard - drumming on the windows, tapping on the ground, splashing through the tree branches. A nice summer shower to cap off the experience. All in all, a very pleasant cigar to while away a couple of hours with on a summer's evening.