Tobacco Varieties

Some well-known tobacco varieties in the cigar world are the Criollo tobacco, the improved version called Corojo, Sumatra and Brasil. However, the number of different variations, hybrids and thus new varieties is endless.

Generally, the leaves of a tobacco plant are divided into three different stages. At the very top of the tobacco plant are the younger and sunnier ligero leaves. They have a stronger aroma and a higher nicotine content, but do not have particularly good burning properties. The Seco leaves from the middle of the plant are somewhat lighter. The oldest leaves, which are at the bottom of the plant and therefore have received the most shade, have the least aroma of all the leaves. Due to their good glowing properties, the so-called volado leaves are mainly used as filler. Thus, a balanced cigar with good burning characteristics requires a blend of these leaves.

Handmade cigars consist of the filler (Tripa), the binder (Capote) and the wrapper (Capa). Wrappers come in dozens of shades (about 60), such as Claro, Colorado, Maduro, Oscuro and many more. The filler strongly determines the taste of the cigar, as the blend of tobacco used in it is of great importance. Cuban cigars, also called Habanos, are always Puros. Puros are cigars whose tobacco comes 100% from the same country.

  • For example, a tobacco leaf with a simple taste is the Double Claro wrapper, sometimes called Candela. This wrapper is harvested before it is fully mature and is produced by rapid drying while sealing the drying scales and increasing the internal temperature. Chlorophyll is trapped in the leaves in the process, resulting in the greenish coloration.

  • The Claro wrapper is somewhat darker but still very mild in taste. Claro wrapper leaves grow on tobacco plants that are mostly grown in the shade. A well-known example of this are the Claro wrapper leaves from the American state of Connecticut, which are used, for example, in the Vintage 1999 cigars from Rocky Patel.

  • A mixture of shade and sun is given to the Colorado Claro wrappers. These wrapper leaves are often referred to as balanced.

  • Medium brown wrappers with a bit more sun are the Colorado wrappers. These are often already a bit stronger in flavor.

  • Colorado Maduro wrappers are fully mature wrappers with more full-bodied flavors.

  • Maduro wrappers are known for their sweetness, due to the high sugar content in the leaf, which they have received from extra sun exposure. For this reason, Maduro wrapper leaves are usually the top leaves of the tobacco plant.

  • Oscuro leaves can sometimes appear almost black. Despite the dark color, Oscuro leaves do not necessarily have to be strong, but still convince with a unique taste.