Maduro Wrappers

[HIM]

Sticks with maduro wrappers can vary wildly. To the point that is makes me wonder what the "maduro" label really means. Is the Drew Estate Undercrown a maduro? It's got a maduro wrapper but, in my opinion, none of the typical maduro flavors. The AJ Diesel Unholy Cocktail is a maduro (by wrapper) but again, pretty unusual flavors for a maduro. Maduro is way too broad to categorically say that they've got a bad name. Or that they're collectively great.

The key is that maduro is a process. I think what dictates the flavor has more to do with what variety of tobacco it is than the fact the leaf was processed into maduro leaf. The rest of the blend plays a part in what we taste too but plain and simple....San Andres, CT or PA broadleaf, Habano, criollo, corojo, etc all taste different. I think the familiar "maduro" flavors most people think of are the taste of broadleaf.

[Upstatemax]

I've never considered aging it as I've always heard an IPA fades in the flavor/aroma sector. I brew my hoppier beers in intervals with things that do sit.

I enjoyed the aged ones. Let some of the Hop flavor fade a bit and let the complexity of the beer come through.

You get the crisp IPA right away, but a more complex and rich after taste.

[rodwha]

Never thought of that. To me that's been what an old ale or barleywine was about, though a stout or porter did well too.

[Zeede]

Try the Brickhouse Maduros. The Mighty Mighty vitola is a pretty long smoke, and I know you've been looking for longer smokes.

[Shaun]

The key is that maduro is a process. I think what dictates the flavor has more to do with what variety of tobacco it is than the fact the leaf was processed into maduro leaf. The rest of the blend plays a part in what we taste too but plain and simple....San Andres, CT or PA broadleaf, Habano, criollo, corojo, etc all taste different. I think the familiar "maduro" flavors most people think of are the taste of broadleaf.

I understand. But the Diesel UHC and the Undercrown both have maduro wrappers (wrapper leaves that have gone through the maduro process). Yet neither of them are representative of the typically described maduro flavors (at least in my opinion). So maybe my question could be summed up as: "If a cigar has a maduro wrapper, does that alone make it a maduro?"

[Rocket Scientologist]

What of a Rocky Patel The Edge?

Yeah, the Edge Maduro isn't bad - was the go-to stick for my buddy for a long time. The 5 Vegas Series A is a good $2-3 stick.

Some other suggestions:
Alec Bradley Tempus Maduro
Ashton Aged Maduro
Diamond Crown Maduro
Ramon Bueso Genesis

[HIM]

I understand. But the Diesel UHC and the Undercrown both have maduro wrappers (wrapper leaves that have gone through the maduro process). Yet neither of them are representative of the typically described maduro flavors (at least in my opinion). So maybe my question could be summed up as: "If a cigar has a maduro wrapper, does that alone make it a maduro?"

Yes. What makes a maduro a maduro is the processing of the wrapper. The flavors are going to vary depending on what type of tobacco it is and what tobaccos are used in the rest of the blend. I think the idea of "maduro flavors" is sort of a misunderstanding of how blending works IMO. You can get the sweet mocha and spice characteristics of a maduro in a natural wrapped cigar. I also think a lot of people associate the taste of broadleaf as "maduro flavors" which isn't fully accurate.
Lol am I making sense here?

[Billb1960]

The most important thing with maduros is that you pronounce it correctly. It's not ma-der-o, it's mah-DOO-ro. And don't forget to roll that R!

[DogRockets]

Maduro is my absolute favorite wrapper. Some of my favorite maduros in the so called "budget" price range are Nica Libre and Bahia Red/Maduro. CI carries them both. Usually $2-3 per stick depending on if they're running a deal or not.

[rodwha]

Looking at what CI carries in their singles I found they do have a Nica Libre Toro for $4.25. I think I'll run with that one as you think well of it. Thanks @ DogRockets!