A flawless wrapper leaf is key to creating the ideal “public face” for every cigar. The best of the best are large enough to comfortably cover the cigar in its entirety, will be absolutely damage- and blemish-free, and silky soft in texture.
Seed strains that grow filler leaves are inadequate, so tobacco growers have developed strains specifically for use as wrappers. Different parts of the world contribute their specialties, but two are standouts: the Connecticut Shade and the Corojo from our state of Connecticut and Cuba, respectively.
Nearly all are grown under muslin tents, a practice referred to as “shade growing” or “tapado.” The leaves are sheltered from direct sun light, enabling them to grow large, silky and damage free.
It is extremely difficult to grow a perfect leaf, as any damage or stain suffered during any stage of growth renders it useless as a wrapper. Understandably, wrappers are the most expensive part of any cigar.
Harvested in stages, gentle removal of the bottom leaves is done first. However, the leaves from the middle two-thirds of the plant are the appropriate size, texture and shape for use as wrappers and are the only ones sold for that purpose.
After harvesting, they are processed similarly to filler leaves, being cured, fermented and aged. But they then undergo an exacting grading and selection process. Before arriving at the roller’s bench, the central vein is removed, effectively cutting each leaf into two perfectly perfect halves.
Featured Countries of Origin from your Favorite Cigar of the Month Club: NICARAGUA and HONDURAS
PUNCH SIGNATURE ROBUSTO- Nationality: Honduran Appearance: FULL bodied, 5.0; 54 ring; In a spotless Ecuadorian Corojo wrapper (Thanks, Cuba!). Personality: Fiesty, the one-of-a-kind Nicaraguan binder cloaks vintage long fillers. Aromatic spice, cedar and leather, along with a slight cinnamon nuance, enter the fray, giving way to a complex blend with unwavering balance. Top of the class.
ALEC BRADLEY NICA PURO ROBUSTO – Nationality: Nicaraguan Appearance: MEDIUM bodied, 5.0; 50 ring; In an extensively fermented soft, oily Habano wrap. Personality: Satisfying, rich and everything a cigar should be. Chewy, a little nutty, with hearty flavors of leather, cocoa, toast.
AVE MARIA CHARLEMAGNE – Nationality: Nicaraguan Appearance: MEDIUM bodied, 7.5; 54 ring; With a flawless Ecuadorian Habano sun-grown wrapper. Personality: Elegant, well balanced and refined, this very tall and well-built lady is smooth throughout. Carefully handcrafted in Esteli, Nicaragua, she satisfies at every level with rich notes of earth, leather, spice and sweet tobacco.
ROCKY PATEL R4 COROJO TORPEDO – Nationality: Nicaraguan Appearance: MEDIUM bodied, 6.0; 52 ring; Draped by a thick, toothy Corojo leaf wrapper. Personality: Deliciously satisfying, the marriage of aged long-leaf tobaccos from Honduras and Nicaragua crated a beautiful baby that’s earthy, rich, nutty and buttery smooth. This girl’s looking for permanent residence in your humidor!
CASINO GOLD TORO – Nationality: Honduran Appearance: FULL bodied, 6.0; 50 ring; Dressed in a beautiful Nicaraguan Jalapa wrapper. Personality: She promises to fulfill all your dreams. Creatively crafted, patiently cedar aged, delivers an intricate flavor punch.
