Wrapper Colour

The capa (also known as the colour of the cigar’s wrapper) is usually the key to the flavor of the cigar. With a darker wrapper you will get a sweeter and more full-bodied cigar, however the main determinant is the colour of the filler.

There are a few important differences that effects the overall flavour and quality of wrapper leaves – their location on the plant, what time of year they are harvested, and how they are dried and fermented. The more sunlight the plant receives, the darker the wrapper will be, as tobacco leaves act much like human skin in the sun. There are seven basic colours that cigar wrappers can be classified under, which range from Claro (pale brown) to Oscuro (black).

Double Claro – (also called AMS – American Market Selection, or candela). This cigar wrapper is greenish brown. The colour is achieved by picking the leaf before it reaches maturity and then drying it rapidly. It is very mild, almost bland, with very little oil.

Natural Claro – this cigar wrapper is pale brown, like milky coffee. (For example, Havana brands like H. Upmann). This is the classic mild cigar colour.

Claro – this cigar wrapper is mild brown and tawny. (For example, brands, such as Dominican Partag’s, using Cameroon wrappers).

Colorado – this cigar wrapper is reddish brown and aromatic. This colour is most often associated with well-matured cigars.

Colorado Maduro – this cigar wrapper is dark brown with medium strength and it is rather more aromatic than maduro. It usually gives a more rich flavour, as found in many of the best Honduran cigars.

Maduro – this cigar wrapper has a very dark brown colour, similar to black coffee. (For example, full-bodied Havana brands such as Bolivar.) The colour of this cigar is suited to the more veteran smoker.