Cigar Wrappers 101 - The Ultimate Beginner's Guide

by Atlantic Cigar Staff

Cigar Wrappers 101 - The Ultimate Beginner's Guide

Cigar wrappers are a thing of great debate and mystery among cigar smokers.

For the uninitiated, a cigar wrapper is the part you see on the outside. Quite literally, the final leaf which wraps the cigar.

It is the most expensive of cigar leaves to grow. The most delicate to work with. The one that can add great flavor or none at all. The one that, above all else, must look spectacular.

This can be a bewildering leaf for beginners to understand, so let us take you on a short journey to learn the basics.

Wrappers and Cuban Cigars

As far as Cuban cigars are concerned, the wrapper, or Capa, is designed primarily for its looks. It needs to be a handsome beast, glossy and thin, stretched alluringly around the rest of the leaves like the silk stocking of a starlet. These are your Habano wrappers.

What is the Purpose of the Wrapper?

In non-Cuban or New World cigars though, the wrapper has altogether another purpose; it is much more flavor-filled, can come from any number of countries and regions, and usually adds a significant portion of the cigar’s overall flavor.

The wrapper leaf grows at the very top of the tobacco plant, and so is constantly exposed to sun. That is why it is often grown under shade – a muslin type cloth is stretched across the plants to keep the fiercest of the ultra-violet light from the delicate leaves.

If left exposed to the full strength of the rays, the wrapper leaf will become thicker, more potent, and will create a different sort of blending dilemma for the manufacturer.

What are the Common Types of Cigar Wrappers?

Some of the common types of cigar wrappers include Connecticut, Maduro, Cameroon, Sun Grown, Habano, and Sumatra.

As you can see, there is a deep dive to be done on cigar wrappers – but there are a handful of common types that cover a lot of bases.

Understand the characteristics of these, and you will be across most of the cigars you will find in your local cigar merchant humidor.

Connecticut Wrapper

Originally named after the lush tobacco grown in the state, this term is now used as a catch-all name for wrapper grown from Connecticut seed, wherever it may be found in the world.

True Connecticut leaf is still grown, but you will find it more often grown in places like Ecuador, where the shade provided by an almost year-round cloud cover handily replaces the need for muslin cloth.

This large leaf is incredibly thin, delicate, and easily damaged.

Be cautious when handling Connecticut wrappers and take special care when removing the bands from cigars wrapped in this leaf.

In color, it is a pale mustard, almost yellow, and somehow gives one’s mind’s eye the impression that it should be incredibly mild. It often is, but do not be misled; a well-aged Connecticut wrapper can still pack a punch (Perdomo’s Champagne line is the perfect example of this).

Tasting notes include a piney 'tang', bitter dark chocolate, creaminess, and cocoa.

Because of its delicate nature; and because of the steps that need to be taken to grow it under shade and pamper it throughout its growing and aging process, Connecticut wrapper is one of the most expensive leaves in the business.

Check out these three great options with a Connecticut wrapper:

Maduro Wrapper

This one is a bit confusing, as Maduro is not actually a leaf variety, but rather a degree of fermentation.

Maduro is Spanish for ‘ripe’ and a Maduro cigar is one cloaked in a thick, dark, oily wrapper which has been fermented for an extended period of time. Despite its villainous looks, a Maduro cigar is more often sweeter, milder, and more subtle than its younger, fresher brethren.

Only certain types of robust wrappers can be subjected to the longer fermenting process which results in Maduro leaf. If the wrapper leaves are too thin and delicate, they will simply disintegrate instead of mellowing into the lovely combination of melded flavors excellent Maduro creates.

The Maduro process is like ‘fermentation plus’; the leaves are subjected to heat and moisture at higher levels for longer than ‘traditionally’ fermented leaves. This causes a greater breakdown of the internal structure of the leaf, as well as the descent into ever darker shades of color.

Some cigarmakers try to accelerate this lengthy process by giving the tobacco a short, intense shock treatment. Be cautious, as while this method does produce a dark cigar, it compromises the flavor and has none of the attributes of a true Maduro.

In the days of the cigar boom, it was not unheard of for such cigarmakers to even dye their wrapper leaves and call them Maduro to make more money. The unsuspecting purchaser would end up with his or her fingers stained black and an unpleasant taste in their mouth.

Tasting notes for Maduro leaf can range through cocoa and a burnt sweetness to leather and coffee.

Here are three of our favorite Maduro cigars:

Cameroon Wrappers

Ah, Cameroon Wrapper – the very name conjures up something magical, mystical, and mysterious from the African continent.

True Cameroon is indeed grown in the West African nation among the vines and clearings of the jungle, and for this, and a variety of other practical reasons, it is one of the most sought-after and most expensive cigar leaves you will find.

More commonly, Cameroon is grown in other countries from original Cameroon leaf seed. A beautiful rosado reddish hue, it is characteristically toothy – covered in tiny bumps – and sweet in its taste. There is a wonderful point and counterpoint to its sweetness and spiciness.

This sweet wrapper is believed to be due to the increased levels of minerals found in the rich virgin soils where it was first grown.

Here are three of our top cigars with a Cameroon wrapper:

Sun Grown Wrapper

Once again, this is not a leaf or special varietal, but a growing method. Sun Grown is the Connecticut Shade wrapper’s bullying big brother.

Sun Grown leaf is a formidable beast which has deliberately been grown under the full glare of the tropical sun. It is a coarse, thick creature, filled with potent, pungent flavors and packs a punch.

You can expect the full gamut of richness the potent mix of sunshine, soil and seed release; all the toasty, bready notes, deep, dark sweetness, oils and spices.

It is by no means unrefined, though; seasoned smokers appreciate the boosted flavors a Sun Grown produces. If well blended, Sun Grown wrappers can add a further level of intrigue to a cigar’s overall taste.

Here are three excellent options that are Sun Grown:

Habano Wrapper

As its name suggests, this wrapper originated in Cuba, but seeds have since spread across the cigarmaking world. Today, Habano Wrappers are grown in a variety of regions including Nicaragua and Ecuador.

Habano Wrappers tend to be more pronounced, rich in nutty, toasty notes while giving the stick an added peck of spice. For all these reasons, they are popular additions to Nicaraguan cigars with that good old 'Nic Kick'.

Here are three fantastic cigars with Habano wrappers:

Sumatra Wrapper

Sumatran wrappers have become quite popular and are now grown beyond the fertile island of Sumatra in Indonesia. They all utilize the Sumatra seed, but the real magic happens in Ecuador.

High-quality Sumatra from Ecuador is unmatched. Unlike the milder, less flavorful originals from Indonesia, Ecuadorian Sumatra wrappers offer complex, rich flavors.

Expect a distinctive taste that’s grassy, slightly sweet, and lightly spiced. Perfect for your everyday go-to cigar.

Experiment with these three fine Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper options:

Candela Wrapper

You won’t come across this fellow often, but it’s fun to include him in your knowledge of cigar wrappers.

If you watched Columbo, can you recall that Lt. Columbo used to smoke those foul little green cigars that so upset his suspects? They were Candelas.

Candela cigars are a lurid green color because the curing process has not been allowed to continue on its full journey from green, to yellow and brown. Before the leaves have fully matured, they are harvested and dried quickly to lock in the chlorophyll.

As you might imagine, these leaves taste significantly grassy, with tea notes and perhaps even a little hint of mint. They are mild, fresh, and a good smoke on a hot summer's afternoon. They are occasionally used in premium cigar lines to appease the small but passionate number of Candela fans.

Two great options if you're looking to experiment with a Candela wrapper:

Experiment with a Variety of Cigar Wrappers

As you can see, there is much to learn about cigar wrappers – so have fun experimenting with different types!And never be afraid to ask questions – it’s the best way to embed yourself even further in the wonderful world we call cigars.

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About the Author:

The Atlantic Cigar Staff is a team of seasoned cigar aficionados with over 25 years of experience. As part of the Atlantic Cigar family for decades, our experts know cigars inside out. We share our passion for premium, handmade cigars with enthusiasts worldwide. Our friendly and knowledgeable team guides both seasoned smokers and curious newcomers to the perfect smoke. We're always eager to share our love of cigars with you.