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      Cigar Wrappers 101

      A cigar wrapper affects more than just the first impression; it can change the entire flavor of the cigar. Despite what many may think, wrappers manipulate multiple factors in the smoke. From flavor to burn rates, no aspect of a cigar isn’t affected by the wrapper.

      A simple alteration can man handle a quality smoke, & wrappers bring everything together. Since cigar wrappers can make the difference between a yard gar & a quality smoke, getting to know the different types is essential. They vary exponentially in taste, & not every wrapper is for everyone.

      Once you know the differences you can pick cigars that are more suited for your palate. This is the rite of passage for anyone pursuing an enjoyable pastime smoking cigars. For this reason, we have broken down the most popular cigar wrappers in the industry. They may vary in origin, color & taste, but each one deeply affects the cigars they cover. Prepare to discover which wrappers are right for you!

      Different Types of Cigar Wrappers

      An ideal cigar wrapper is held at a higher standard than the rest of the leaves. There can be no blemishes & the leaves need to be bigger to wrap around the cigar. All this attention to detail makes wrappers the most expensive part of the plant to produce.

      How are cigar wrappers made?

      Cigar wrappers come from the lower leaves of the tobacco plant that are called “volado” in Cuba. Volado leaves are valued for their combustibility, which makes them perfect for keeping the cigar burning properly. During the fermenting process these leaves naturally emit a distinct layer of resin, giving them a seductive sheen.

      The wrappers range in color from a light tan to a dark chocolate color. All leaves start out green, but by the end of the aging process they acquire their final hue. There are a few wrappers that are intentionally aged to stay green, but for the most part a shade of brown is preferred.

      Wrapper Leaves 

      In total there are over 50 types of wrapper leaves, but only a few have stolen the show. Out of all these options, many were created by “tweeners” that migrated from two different regions. These hybrids were created to survive in the different climates that they are cultivated in. Following the US embargo on Cuba’s exports, a mad rush of its best tobaccos fled the country. This gave birth to many of the tweeners we enjoy today. Out of all these options, the four major wrapper leaves are Connecticut, Corojo, Habano & Maduro.

      Connecticut Wrappers

      Connecticut wrappers are the most popular tobacco that’s produced in North America. It’s also grown in Ecuador as a tweener called the Ecuadorian Connecticut. This tobacco is grown under shade cloth to protect the plant from the harsh radiation from the sun. This added protection keeps the leaf color light & the nicotine content low. These leaves provide a woody, spicy cedar taste.

      Corojo Wrappers

      Corojo wrappers are generally darker than Connecticut wrappers. This was one of the many strains that originated in Cuba. Due to the embargo, it’s predominantly grown in Honduras. This wrapper sports a spicy, peppery flavor. Even though it’s adored for its powerful flavor, it doesn’t burn as easy as other wrappers.

      Habano Wrappers

      Habano leaves share the same origin as Corojo’s, but these pack a punch. They are now grown in Nicaragua, & the strain only got stronger through genetic modification. They have a distinct spicy flavor that’s extremely high in nicotine. Unsurprisingly, the raw power of this wrapper only added to its allure.

      Maduro Wrappers

      Maduro wrappers are the darkest of the bunch. They take the longest to produce, which makes the leaves sensationally dark. Not every leaf can be turned into a Maduro, since they need to be thick enough to endure years of aging. At the end of the process they harness a sweeter taste. This led to them being revered as “dessert smokes”, since they are great to wind down any meal!

       

      Boveda Packs 101

      When you begin storing new cigars, you will find that Boveda packs are life savers. These secret formulated packages utilize the raw power of two-way humidity control. They are easy to use & can be rewetted when they start to dry out.

      One of the main selling points is the fact that they emit fixed humidity rates. You can choose from different humidity levels so your sticks stay at the correct temperature. This unwavering dependability sets them apart from other hydrating methods such as crystals, gels & beads.

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      The Best American Cigar Brands

      America’s infatuation with cigars goes deep into the roots of its glorious history. We are neighbors with Cuba, so it’s no surprise that their influence was huge on the U.S. cigar industry. From Connecticut to Florida, cigar production remains alive & well. The bonanza may have calmed down, but cigars continue to be an essential part of our culture.

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      Scotch Cocktails

      When it comes to cocktails, few spirits are as versatile as Scotch. You can enjoy it straight, on the rocks or in a cornucopia of different mixes. Unlike other spirits, a different brand can completely alter the flavor. Some boast light, fruity flavors while others are kick you in the face with their smoky punch. The wild diversity of the different Scotch brands allows them to be used in a staggering amount of cocktails. At the end of the day, it’s a tantalizing ingredient for any beverage and perfect with your cigar.  

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      Travel Humidors

      When it comes to travel humidors, few brands are as notorious as Xikar. During the last 20 years the company has branched out & put the cigar accessory industry in a choke hold. Over time they have evolved from creating innovative cutters to indestructible travel humidors.

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