Leaf Types

[rodwha]

What makes a leaf a binder vs a wrapper? Size? Quality? Flavor profile? And what of those used as filler?

I've seen it said that it's the wrapper that gives it the majority of the flavor. Were I to swap by binder and wrapper would it really make that big of a difference?

[Marc L]

It seems that its the condition of the leaf after color curing. Its the wholes in the leaves. if Im a farmer, Im going to grow with the intent to grow all wrapper. $$$ Pull the wrapper first then, binder and filler. fermentation amounts are, wrapper, binder and filler. least to most.
majority of the flavor can be debated but, if you swap them, you'll have a different cigar.

[Bruck]

Hi Bob, I'm a little late to the party here - been traveling the past couple weeks.

Anyway, the simplest answer is that the wrapper is the nicest looking leaf - smooth, unveiny, no holes or discolorations or other imperfections, etc. It also tends to be thinner but doesn't have to be. Certain strains of tobacco make for better wrapper leaves and are grown for that purpose. Wrappers tend to be the most expensive for obvious reasons. Often you'll see the wholesalers selling a type of tobacco as wrapper and also as filler for a lower price - the wrappers have been selected out, and the fillers don't need to be as nice.

Binders are a different animal - a good binder is generally thicker and tougher as it does most of the work. It's not really interchangeable with wrapper. Binder leaves should be free of holes for proper burning, and shouldn't have too much relief to them as the wrapper needs a smooth surface to cling to.

Filler leaves can be just about anything, and can have imperfections, discolorations, etc, but nothing so bad as to affect burn or construction.

Regarding the flavor of the wrapper, it isn't a one-dimensional answer. Flavor comes from the whole blend, of which the wrapper is a certain percentage, depending on ring gauge and # of wrapper layers. Certain wrappers such as maduro have distinct flavors, but again, it's just part of the whole blend.

[Marc L]

As many or as few as you want. Get $4.00 per pound off Cigar Long Filler until midnight Sunday April 7, 2019

https://www.wholeleaftobacco.com/cat...-long-fillers/

[Brimy]

@rodwha
Bob I'm just a smoker, don't know SugarHoneyIcedTea about rolling! But the two that answered know about rolling.
I've heard that Bruce's "Brohibas" are nice. And have you seen Marc's pics?!?! Things of beauty. If they smoke as good as they look (for whatever reason I believe that they do), they must be amazing.

[rodwha]

As many or as few as you want. Get $4.00 per pound off Cigar Long Filler until midnight Sunday April 7, 2019

https://www.wholeleaftobacco.com/cat...-long-fillers/

Funny as I was just recently thinking about how I enjoyed rolling those few.

I certainly appreciate the heads up! Not sure if I’ll take advantage or not as there are irons in other fires and such.

As an aside I also wondered about the glue in the old glass jar I made up from the kit. How long does that stuff last?

[Marc L]

Funny as I was just recently thinking about how I enjoyed rolling those few.

I certainly appreciate the heads up! Not sure if I’ll take advantage or not as there are irons in other fires and such.

As an aside I also wondered about the glue in the old glass jar I made up from the kit. How long does that stuff last?

I keep it in the refrigerator and it hasn't gone bad. The wlt kits I believe come with gar gum. It should grow dark spots (mold?) or have an off smell (sour) to it. At least thats what I got by leaving out. I think it was other types though. .. pectin/xanthan

[Marc L]

[Marc L]

.. bump. new stuff .. do not miss out!
https://wholeleaftobacco.com/cat/cigar-tobaccos/

[Marc L]