Welcome to the intriguing world of Connecticut wrapper cigars, where elegance and industry-defining craftsmanship merge seamlessly.
The Connecticut Broadleaf, Shade, and Habano wrappers each present unique and captivating taste profiles that have enchanted cigar enthusiasts across the globe.
Our journey will unravel the mysteries behind these wrappers, revealing how they transform the cigar experience for aficionados and beginners alike.
In this article, be prepared to uncover the secrets of Connecticut wrappers and their defining role in creating some of the world's most sought-after cigars.
First we take a look at a brief history of Connecticut wrappers and the defining qualities of each type.
Then, we'll give you our expert recommendations on the top 5 best Connecticut wrapper cigars in 2024 that have earned at least a rating of 90 by Cigar Aficionado.
Here's our picks so you have them right away:
- Rocky Patel Sun Grown Maduro Robusto - Connecticut Broadleaf
- Macanudo Cafe Hyde Park - Connecticut Shade
- E.P. Carrillo Dusk Solidos - Connecticut Broadleaf
- El Centurion H-2K-CT Toro Box-Pressed - Connecticut Habano
- Liga Privada No. 9 Corona Doble - Connecticut Broadleaf
Feel free to click the links above to head straight to the descriptions of each cigar, or keep reading for a history of Connecticut wrappers and the qualities of each type.
Exploring the Rich History of Connecticut Tobacco
The history of Connecticut wrappers is intertwined with the history of tobacco cultivation in the United States.
It started in the Windsor area, the state's first English settlement.
Situated in the Connecticut River Valley, which stretches through Connecticut, Massachusetts, and southern Vermont, natives were growing tobacco here in the early 1600s.
When European settlers arrived in the 1630s, they recognized the valley's fertile sandy soil and New England climate were exceptionally suited for tobacco cultivation. Initially, they grew tobacco varieties imported from Virginia for pipe smoking.
The Shift to Cigar Tobacco
As cigars' popularity began surpassing pipe smoking, Connecticut River Valley farmers adapted their crops.
By the mid-19th century, the broadleaf variety became predominant, especially during the Civil War.
In the late 19th century, farmers began experimenting with Havana Seed tobacco to produce higher-quality cigar wrappers as they were facing stiff competition from tobacco imports.
By the 1930s, tobacco farmland in the Connecticut River Valley spanned 30,000 acres.
Birth of Shade Tobacco
The continued demand for superior cigar wrappers led to a significant innovation in the early 1900s.
Connecticut growers and scientists developed the Shade Tobacco, using artificial shade produced by cheesecloth tents to protect the plants from direct sunlight.
This breakthrough method produced a thinner, more elastic, beautiful golden leaf, ideal for high-quality cigar wrappers.
Rise in Popularity
Connecticut wrappers gained significant popularity in the 20th century, particularly the Connecticut Shade, which became associated with luxury and quality in the cigar world.
Their mildness and aesthetic appeal made them highly sought after by American and international cigar manufacturers.
Modern Era and Preservation of Tobacco Heritage
Over the years, the prominence of Connecticut tobacco farming has waned as more cigars utilize mass-produced cigar wrappers.
From its peak of 30,000 acres in the 1930s, tobacco farmland had reduced to less than 2,000 by 2006.
Today, Connecticut wrappers continue to be a staple in the cigar industry, valued for their quality and distinctive flavor profiles.
The Connecticut River Valley remains a key region for growing these wrappers, although similar varieties are now cultivated in other countries.
Recognizing the need to preserve their rich agricultural history, the Connecticut Valley Tobacco Historical Society was established in 1988, leading to the creation of the Luddy/Taylor Tobacco Museum in Windsor.
The museum now serves as a testament to the region's significant role in tobacco cultivation history.
What are the Different Types of Connecticut Wrappers?
Connecticut wrappers have three main types: Connecticut Broadleaf, Connecticut Shade, and Connecticut Habano.
Each of these wrappers contributes significantly to the flavor and overall experience of the cigar. Let's look at the specific characteristics of each type.
Connecticut Shade Wrapper
Grown under shade to ensure a delicate, even color and texture, the tobacco leaves are silky smooth with thin veins.
Connecticut Shade wrappers are known for their smoothness and mild flavor profile. They usually exhibit a creamy, slightly sweet taste, making them a favorite among those who prefer a milder cigar.
The wrapper's light color and silky texture are distinctive, often imparting hints of cedar or nuts.
Connecticut Broadleaf Wrapper
Known for its darker, rugged appearance, the Connecticut Broadleaf is a thick, resilient wrapper with a rich flavor that is often used in maduro cigars.
The tobacco used in the wrapper is sun-grown, and the leaves have rounded edges.
For taste, the broadleaf wrapper often delivers a delicate sweetness and full-bodied, earthy notes.
Due to its robust nature, it pairs well with a variety of strong, complex fillers and binders.
The Connecticut Broadleaf Wrapper has become a favorite among those who appreciate a rich, full-flavored smoking experience.
Connecticut Habano Wrapper
The Connecticut Habano wrapper is a twist on the traditional Connecticut wrapper. It's grown in the Connecticut River Valley but is a variation of the Cuban Habano seed.
Tobacco for the Habano wrapper is grown in the sun in smaller quantities than the Broadleaf or Shade wrappers.
It offers a richer, more robust flavor than the classic Connecticut Shade. The Habano wrappers are darker, oilier, and have a more pronounced flavor profile with spicy and earthy notes, making them suitable for those who enjoy a medium to full-bodied cigar.
Our Recommendations for the Top 5 Best Connecticut Cigars
Join us as we present our top picks for the best cigars with a Connecticut wrapper.
Carefully chosen for their excellence, every cigar in this list has earned an impressive rating of 90 or above in Cigar Aficionado's rankings.
1. Rocky Patel Sun Grown Maduro Robusto
Rating: Cigar Aficionado 2016 #2 [95]
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Shape: Robusto
Size: 5 x 50
Strength: Full
Grade: Hand Rolled / Long Filler
Color: Maduro
Binder / Filler: Nicaragua / Nicaragua
Wrapper Type: Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro
Starting with a flavorful bold beauty, the Rocky Patel Sun Grown Maduro Robusto.
It originally debuted in 2015 as the second release of Rocky Patel's Sun Grown line. The maduro version dominated the first release - it was darker, stronger, and more complex.
A glistening, dark, oily Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper elegantly encases the strong Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos.
Expect a smooth draw with delicious notes of cream, nuts, cedar, and dark chocolate that gifts a lingering sweetness.
The Rocky Patel Sun Grown Maduro Robusto is a must-try if you're looking to experience one of the best Connecticut Broadleaf cigars ever made.
2. Macanudo Café Hyde Park
Rating: Cigar Aficionado 2005 #23 [90]
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Shape: Robusto
Size: 5.50 x 49
Strength: Mild
Grade: Hand Rolled / Long Filler
Color: Claro
Binder / Filler: Mexico / Dominican Republic
Wrapper Type: Connecticut Shade
An exquisite mild cigar, the Macanudo Café Hyde Park is celebrated by beginners and seasoned smokers.
It features a flawless golden Connecticut Shade wrapper and an aged blend of Mexican and Dominican binder and filler tobaccos.
Macanudo Café Hyde Park is renowned for its impeccable consistency. It's incredibly smooth with hints of cedar and the perfect sweetness.
One of the best Macanudo cigars ever created, add the Café Hyde Park to your smoking list if you're on the hunt for a Connecticut Shade wrapper with exceptional flavor.
3. E.P. Carrillo Dusk Solidos
Rating: Cigar Aficionado 2017 #18 [92]
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Shape: Gordo
Size: 6 x 60
Strength: Medium - Full
Grade: Hand Rolled / Long Filler
Color: Maduro
Binder / Filler: Ecuador / Nicaragua
Wrapper Type: Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro
Featuring a blend from three different countries, the E.P. Carrillo Dusk Solidos offers a satisfying medium - full-bodied experience.
"Dusk" in the cigar name refers to the time of day Ernesto Perez-Carrillo prefers to smoke.
The cigar is often noted for its deep, rich flavors, which includes black pepper, cocoa, earth, and a subtle sweetness.
No matter what time of the day you savor this gem, just like E.P. Carrillo, you're guaranteed a delightful experience.
4. El Centurion H-2K-CT Toro Box-Pressed
Rating: Cigar Aficionado 2016 #16 [93]
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Shape: Toro
Size: 6 x 52
Strength: Medium - Full
Grade: Hand Rolled / Long Filler
Color: Colorado
Binder / Filler: Nicaragua / Nicaragua
Wrapper Type: Connecticut Habano
My Father Cigars expands its El Centurion line with the unique H-2K-CT, featuring a proprietary sun-grown Habano 2000 hybrid wrapper from the Connecticut River Valley.
Crafted to appeal to a wide range of tastes, the H-2K-CT combines a rich tobacco core with balanced strength, making it a promising new release for My Father Cigars enthusiasts.
Upon lighting, you can expect the red pepper spice that accompanies most Garcia family cigars, plenty of creaminess, nuts, and a pleasing fruity-sweetness.
Try the El Cenurion H-2K-CT if you're a fan of cigars that scream complexity. Your palate will thank you.
5. Liga Privada No. 9 Corona Doble
Rating: Cigar Aficionado 2016 #10 [94]
Country of Origin:
Nicaragua
Shape:
Double Corona
Size:
7 x 52
Strength:
Full
Grade:
Hand Rolled / Long Filler
Color:
Maduro
Binder / Filler:
Brazil / Honduras, Nicaragua
Wrapper Type:
Connecticut Broadleaf
Concluding our list is a unique cigar with a dark Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper, the Liga Privada No. 9 Corona Doble.
This Drew Estate masterpiece is created with tobacco from 7 different farms. There's something you don't see every day.
Originally crafted as a personal smoke for Drew Estate's former president, the Liga Privada No. 9 is a testament to exclusivity and quality.
You can expect a one-of-a-kind experience when lighting this powerhouse of a cigar. Every puff is filled with a complex range of robust, earthy flavors infused with a distinct sweet finish.
Enjoy the Supreme Flavor of Connecticut Wrapper Cigars
With these selections for the best Connecticut cigars at your fingertips, it's the perfect opportunity to embrace life's finer moments.
Allow yourself to Indulge in their unique charm and let each puff elevate your palate to new heights of flavor and sophistication.