Maduro Wrappers

[Shaun]

Sticks with maduro wrappers can vary wildly. To the point that is makes me wonder what the "maduro" label really means. Is the Drew Estate Undercrown a maduro? It's got a maduro wrapper but, in my opinion, none of the typical maduro flavors. The AJ Diesel Unholy Cocktail is a maduro (by wrapper) but again, pretty unusual flavors for a maduro. Maduro is way too broad to categorically say that they've got a bad name. Or that they're collectively great.

[HIM]

Sticks with maduro wrappers can vary wildly. To the point that is makes me wonder what the "maduro" label really means. Is the Drew Estate Undercrown a maduro? It's got a maduro wrapper but, in my opinion, none of the typical maduro flavors. The AJ Diesel Unholy Cocktail is a maduro (by wrapper) but again, pretty unusual flavors for a maduro. Maduro is way too broad to categorically say that they've got a bad name. Or that they're collectively great.

The key is that maduro is a process. I think what dictates the flavor has more to do with what variety of tobacco it is than the fact the leaf was processed into maduro leaf. The rest of the blend plays a part in what we taste too but plain and simple....San Andres, CT or PA broadleaf, Habano, criollo, corojo, etc all taste different. I think the familiar "maduro" flavors most people think of are the taste of broadleaf.

[Shaun]

The key is that maduro is a process. I think what dictates the flavor has more to do with what variety of tobacco it is than the fact the leaf was processed into maduro leaf. The rest of the blend plays a part in what we taste too but plain and simple....San Andres, CT or PA broadleaf, Habano, criollo, corojo, etc all taste different. I think the familiar "maduro" flavors most people think of are the taste of broadleaf.

I understand. But the Diesel UHC and the Undercrown both have maduro wrappers (wrapper leaves that have gone through the maduro process). Yet neither of them are representative of the typically described maduro flavors (at least in my opinion). So maybe my question could be summed up as: "If a cigar has a maduro wrapper, does that alone make it a maduro?"

[HIM]

I understand. But the Diesel UHC and the Undercrown both have maduro wrappers (wrapper leaves that have gone through the maduro process). Yet neither of them are representative of the typically described maduro flavors (at least in my opinion). So maybe my question could be summed up as: "If a cigar has a maduro wrapper, does that alone make it a maduro?"

Yes. What makes a maduro a maduro is the processing of the wrapper. The flavors are going to vary depending on what type of tobacco it is and what tobaccos are used in the rest of the blend. I think the idea of "maduro flavors" is sort of a misunderstanding of how blending works IMO. You can get the sweet mocha and spice characteristics of a maduro in a natural wrapped cigar. I also think a lot of people associate the taste of broadleaf as "maduro flavors" which isn't fully accurate.
Lol am I making sense here?

[NeverBend]

Yes. What makes a maduro a maduro is the processing of the wrapper. The flavors are going to vary depending on what type of tobacco it is and what tobaccos are used in the rest of the blend. I think the idea of "maduro flavors" is sort of a misunderstanding of how blending works IMO. You can get the sweet mocha and spice characteristics of a maduro in a natural wrapped cigar. I also think a lot of people associate the taste of broadleaf as "maduro flavors" which isn't fully accurate.
Lol am I making sense here?

Lots of sense.

Making a meaningful definition for maduro wrappers is difficult and so would be identifying the quintessential maduro cigar. Suffice it to say that genuine maduro leaf is processed to be that way and despite the color, that can range from mottled brown to near black (when it's really oscuro), it tends, in an of itself, to be mild although it can add significant body.

...Do not buy into the hype that darker wrappers are stronger or heavier in the nicotine department. That has little basis in reality...
I would stay away from the 5 Vegas Gold maduro. Those damn things are fire retardent. The 5 Vegas A is a good smoke though.

I agree re: 5-Vegas Gold maduro, artificially processed but the A series are much better.

[allusred]

Lots of sense.

Making a meaningful definition for maduro wrappers is difficult and so would be identifying the quintessential maduro cigar. Suffice it to say that genuine maduro leaf is processed to be that way and despite the color, that can range from mottled brown to near black (when it's really oscuro), it tends, in an of itself, to be mild although it can add significant body.



I agree re: 5-Vegas Gold maduro, artificially processed but the A series are much better.

Have steered well clear of any Maduros for a long time.Any that came my way I'd either give away or toss.
All the Maduro cigars I tried over a year or so, tasted, to me like biting into a piece of tinfoil.Gave up totally on all Maduros.
All Mexican tobaccos.
I clearly remember liking the first Maduro cigar I smoked (Motor City...came from Detroit) looked as if it had been marinated in old,well used motor oil.
They were oily and extremely dark,but not painted.Got away from Maduros, then when next tried some, hated them.
Tasted like biting into a piece of tinfoil.
Could not believe how many cigar smokers were so firmly in the Maduro camp as opposed to other wrappers.
Now over the past few months have found some that I've enjoyed smoking.
Haven't found that Metallic taste in any of them.
Still not my favourite wrapper, but at least one more option.
And have enjoyed reading this thread on the subject.