The different tobaccos for cigars - an overview

Corojo tobacco

Corojo tobacco originated in Cuba in the Pinar del Rio region and is used exclusively as a wrapper leaf. The name refers to the farm "Vega Santa Ines del Corojo" of the Rodriguez family, who developed the tobacco. Daniel Maria Rodriguez, the son of Diego Rodriguez, further developed the tobacco and produced the best wrapper leaves in the world in the 1940s. The Cuban revolution forced the Rodriguez family to leave Cuba at the end of the 1950s. From the 1930s to the 1990s, all Cuban cigars were fitted with a Corojo wrapper. After that, only Corojo hybrids were used, which are more resistant to pests and diseases. Today, pure Corojo is only planted in relatively small quantities in Honduras. The majority of Corojo hybrids are planted, as they are more economical to grow.

Characteristics of Corojo tobacco:

• Spicy and peppery flavour.
• Medium to high nicotine content.
• Mainly used for wrapper leaves.

Connecticut tobacco

Nowadays, Connecticut tobacco leaf is mainly used for the wrappers of cigars. The origin of Connecticut tobacco lies in the Connecticut River Valley in the USA. The valley was the birthplace of shade tobacco around 1900 and the tobacco is one of the most expensive on the market today. During cultivation, cloths are stretched over the tobacco so that it is not directly exposed to sunlight. The result is thin and supple leaves with barely perceptible veins.
Nowadays, Connecticut tobacco is grown in various countries, with Ecuador producing by far the most. The tobacco is characterised by the following properties:

• Low nicotine content, making it a mild tobacco.
• Soft and creamy flavour.
• Thin tobacco leaf, which is very hard-wearing.

In most cases, cigars with a Connecticut wrapper are mild to medium-strength cigars. The best-known cigar with a Connecticut wrapper is the Camacho Connecticut Robusto.

Habano tobacco

Habano tobacco is an integral part of the world of cigars. It originally comes from Cuba, but due to the political and economic situation it is now also grown in other countries such as Nicaragua, Honduras and the Dominican Republic.

Properties and flavour profile

Habano tobacco is known for its intense and complex flavour profile. It typically offers a robust blend of spicy and earthy notes, complemented by nuances of coffee, chocolate, leather and sometimes a slight sweetness. These flavours can vary slightly depending on the origin of the tobacco and the specific growing conditions.

Cultivation and processing

The growing conditions for Habano tobacco are decisive for its quality. The tobacco requires a tropical climate with a well-balanced mixture of sun and rain. The best Habano tobaccos are grown in carefully selected fields where the soil conditions are ideal to provide the tobacco plants with the necessary nutrients.

Sumatra tobacco

Characteristics and flavour profile

Sumatran tobacco is known for its fine, often shiny leaf, which is ideal as a wrapper for cigars. The leaves have a medium to dark brown colour and a smooth texture. In terms of flavour, Sumatra tobacco offers a rich palette of sweet to earthy notes, with undertones of spice and a slight fruitiness, which can vary depending on the specific growing region.

Popularity and perception

Sumatra tobacco is particularly popular with cigar smokers who have a preference for complex but not overpowering flavour profiles. The subtle sweetness and spicy notes make it a favourite choice for medium to full-bodied cigars. Its versatility and ability to blend well with other tobaccos makes it a staple in many blend recipes.

Overall, Sumatra tobacco offers an intriguing blend of tradition and exotic flavour, making it a valued ingredient in the world of premium cigars. Its ability to provide smokers with a unique and satisfying smoking experience has secured it a permanent place in the culture of cigar smoking.

Broadleaf tobacco

Broadleaf tobacco is a prominent tobacco variety that is used in particular in the production of high-quality cigars. It comes mainly from the Connecticut River Valley in the USA, a region known for its fertile soils and ideal climatic conditions, which favour the cultivation of first-class tobacco.

Characteristics and flavour profile

Connecticut Broadleaf is known for its robust, thick and oily leaves, which are ideal for the production of Maduro wrapper leaves. These wrapper leaves are dark, almost chocolate brown and offer an intense, sweet flavour. The smoke profile of cigars with Broadleaf wrappers often contains notes of chocolate, coffee, leather and a characteristic sweetness that comes from the natural molasses of the tobacco.

Cultivation and processing

Broadleaf tobacco is grown in a specific process that utilises direct sunlight to make the leaves thicker and oilier. These characteristics are crucial for the development of the rich flavour and dark colour required for Maduro wrapper leaves. Once harvested, the leaves undergo a careful fermentation process where temperatures and humidity conditions are precisely controlled to further deepen the flavours and achieve the dark colour typical of Maduro.

Use in cigars

Broadleaf is predominantly used as a wrapper leaf due to its excellent properties, which allow it to burn evenly and slowly. Cigars with Broadleaf wrappers are particularly popular with connoisseurs as they offer a rich depth of flavour and complexity. The robust character of broadleaf also makes it a popular choice for stronger cigar blends.

Popularity and cult status

The popularity of Connecticut Broadleaf has grown over the years, particularly in the production of premium cigars. Its powerful flavour and textured characteristics have earned it a firm place in the ranks of preferred tobaccos. Many cigar aficionados specifically seek out cigars with Broadleaf wrappers for their distinctive and satisfying smoking experience.

Overall, Broadleaf tobacco represents quality and depth in the flavour profile of cigars. Its rich, earthy and sweet character makes it a valuable component for cigars designed to provide an unforgettable smoking experience.

Criollo tobacco

Criollo tobacco is one of the oldest and most traditional tobaccos used in the world of cigar smoking. The name "Criollo" literally means "native" or "local" in Spanish and refers to its original roots in Cuba before it was cultivated in other parts of the world.

Characteristics and flavour profile

Criollo tobacco is known for its excellent properties as a cigar tobacco. It is characterised by a relatively mild but complex flavour profile, which includes a pronounced sweetness and a range of earthy, peppery and sometimes nutty notes. This variety of flavours makes it a popular choice for making cigars that appeal to both novice and experienced smokers.

Cultivation and processing

Criollo is grown in a variety of countries, including Nicaragua, Honduras and the Dominican Republic, in addition to its original home country of Cuba. The cultivation of Criollo requires a great deal of care and attention, as the plants are sensitive to environmental influences. The leaves are usually smaller and thicker than those of other tobacco varieties, which makes them robust against physical influences, but also more susceptible to disease.
After harvesting, the Criollo leaves are carefully fermented, a process that brings out the natural sugars and oils of the leaves and enhances the typical flavours. This careful treatment is crucial to ensure the quality and flavour of the end product.

Use in cigars

In cigar making, Criollo is often used as a wrapper thanks to its beautiful, even colour and its ability to burn evenly. However, it can also be used in the filler and binder to increase the complexity and flavour of the overall product. Criollo cigars are often medium-bodied and offer a well-rounded, balanced smoking experience.

Popularity and perception

Criollo has developed a loyal following due to its flavour characteristics and versatility in cigar making. It is also an important component of many traditional Cuban cigar blends, although the modern strain 'Criollo 98', a hybridised variant that has been improved on many of the strain's original weaknesses, is more commonly used today.

Do you have any questions or suggestions?

Then you can contact us at any time, we look forward to hearing from you!

support@zigarrenversand.ch
+41 52 624 26 00