Natural, maduro and candela: what the wrapper colour tells you

The wrapper is the outermost leaf of a cigar. It is chosen for looks and for flavour, and the way it is cured and fermented gives it its colour.

Natural

Natural wrappers run from light tan to medium brown. They are cured and fermented in the usual way and tend to taste of cedar, nuts and toast.

Maduro

Maduro means ripe. These leaves are fermented longer and warmer until they turn dark brown, close to black. The extra time brings out sweetness, and people often describe cocoa and coffee.

Candela

Candela wrappers are green. The leaf is dried quickly with heat so the chlorophyll is locked in before it can fade. The taste is lighter and grassy, sometimes with a touch of sweetness.

Which should you try

Colour is not strength. A dark wrapper can sit on a mild blend and a pale one on a strong blend. A sampler is the easiest way to compare.