Cigar Wrapper
The most obvious characteristic of most cigars is the color of the exterior wrapper. Whether a
green Candela wrapper or a dark Maduro-wrapped cigar, the cigar wrapper is an important
element. There are over 100 different wrapper shades, the following are the main types of
wrappers:
Cigar Shapes and Sizes
The most obvious characteristic of most cigars is the color of the exterior wrapper. Whether a
green Candela wrapper or a dark Maduro-wrapped cigar, the cigar wrapper is an important
element. There are over 100 different wrapper shades, the following are the main types of
wrappers:
- Double claro, candela, jade, or American Market Selection (AMS) - After the leaf is
picked in the field it is artificially heated creating a light green hue. They are generally
flavorless and bland wrappers.
Natural or claro - To protect the leaves from sunlight, which would cause a darkening of
the leaf, the tobacco is grown under cheesecloth. Once fully matured, it is allowed to dry
naturally and slowly, creating a light brown color. These leaves create a silky, tan
wrapper with a light, delicate, and distinctly smooth taste.
Colorado claro or English Market Selection (EMS) - A slightly darker wrapper than
natural with a slight dark reddish hue. This wrapper has more flavor than a natural
cigar, with a slightly spiced or nut-like taste.
Colorado - This is not a special variety of tobacco. It is usually grown in Connecticut,
but the leaf has an oily reddish leaf with exceptional color and flavor.
Maduro or Spanish Market Selection - A very dark brown, oily leaf with a sweet
pronounced taste known for its fullness and richness. Darkness is caused by leaving
the leaf on the tobacco plant as long as possible and left to air-dry naturally. After it is
dried, it goes through a process in which it is treated with heat to draw out the oils and to
cook the tobacco. The oils are then allowed to retreat back into the cigar. Each time
this process is repeated the leaf becomes darker and darker. The wrapper sometimes
has small veins and bumps on the wrapper because of the type of tobacco used.
Double Maduro or Oscuro - An almost jet-black wrapper with a very rich, pronounced,
spicy flavor. The leaves go through an even more extensive processing than Maduro.
This type of wrapper has a bumpy veiny appearance.
Cigar Shapes and Sizes
- There are cigars of every shape and every size for every occasion. From tiny, cigarette-
like cigarillos to giant monsters resembling pool cues, there is a wide variety to choose
from.
Certain sizes and shapes which have gained popularity over the years and have
become widely recognized, even by non-smokers. Cigar shape names such as “corona”
or “panatela” have specific meanings to the cigar industry, although there is no formally
agreed-to standard for any given size.
The following table lists 20 well-known cigar shapes. The table shows the standard
cigar length and ring size for each type of cigar shape:
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Use this information to find the right cigar for you. Enjoy!!!
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