Casino Connection Atlantic City

What’s in a Wrapper?

by Chris Dearth

Actually that is a trick question. Of course the tobacco (and binder) is in the wrapper. What I meant was, what makes one type of wrapper better than another? In a well-made premium cigar, the wrapper will account for up to 75 percent of the taste. I would like to explain the difference between wrappers and how they affect the taste of a cigar.

The two best-known wrapper types are Connecticut Shade (natural) and Maduro. The natural wrapper is grown in the Connecticut River Valley and is one of the most popular wrappers in the world. It has a distinctive golden color because it is grown under the shade of huge tents.

A natural wrapper will have a smooth, creamy taste and usually will be associated with a mild to medium-body cigar. The Maduro wrapper will vary in color from a dark brown to almost black. The color is a result of longer exposure to the sun, or a longer cooking process. A good number of the Maduro wrappers are now coming from Brazilia. Maduro wrappers are richer in taste but can still be considered smooth. Most cigars with Maduro wrappers will be classified as medium to full body.

It is important to find which taste you prefer and enjoy. Many cigar smokers will choose a wrapper based on the situation. The darker Maduro is perfect after dinner or with a nice Scotch or bourbon. The natural wrappers can be smoked any time of day.

Cigar of the Month

The Smokin' Butt Cigar is set for a much-anticipated January 2006 release. It will come in three sizes; Robusto (5" x 50), Toro (6" x 50) and Churchill (7" x 48). You will also have your choice of two delicious wrappers, the Connecticut natural or broadleaf Maduro wrapper. The natural Connecticut wrapper provides a smooth, creamy taste and mild body while the broadleaf Maduro gives you a hint of spice and sweetness and a medium body.

Both are manufactured for Smokin' Butt Cigar Co. by a major cigar producer that has been around since 1916. The Maduro Smokin' Butt Cigar consists of long filler tobacco from the Dominican Republic. This cigar was well constructed and packed a rich complex taste, yet was very smooth. The Maduro provided a very pleasant smoking experience. Both the Maduro and natural Smokin' Butt Cigars will retail from $3-$5 per cigar, making it a very affordable, everyday smoke.

Ask your favorite tobacco shop for the Smokin' Butt Cigar in January!