Old School Cuban Wrapper

[FLB03TT]

Years ago, say 15-20, I remember how different wrappers on the occasional Cuban cigar I had were to NCs. The cuban wrapper was Silky, Thin and had beautiful veining. NC wrapper, by contrast were thicker, rougher and much more devoid of veins. Many NC maduro wrappers were about the thickness and consistency of 1500 grit sandpaper. Better for the occasional wet sanding than smoking, but I digress........

Fast forward to last night when I enjoyed my 1st H. Upmann #2 from LUB MAY 14, I bought them from a 24:24 of about three weeks ago. That cigar had exactly the kind of wrapper I describe above. The cigar was the best I have had yet this year and had a look and feeling of class seemingly from days gone by. There are many, many fantastic smoking CCs these days, but this wrapper was different from most of the wrappers, across many brands, that I've seen recently. It seems to me that Cuban wrapper, for the most part, has changed over the years and has moved closer to NC wrapper in general characteristics. I know I'm painting with a broad brush, but do't want to get into a discussion about some Nic. farm that produces silky wrappers, just staying macro for this post.

This Upmann #2, which was offered again 2 nights ago- same box code, was truly transcendental! It's still young and only 4 days off the truck but what a stick!

Anybody else notice the wrappers on these #2s? Perhaps this particular lot has been so widely acclaimed, in part, because of them.

[Colt45]

I don't really see any correlation between Cuban producers and producers from other countries. I pretty much feel that producers from outside of Cuba have a far better handle on consistency of quality, and that the Cubans typically use whatever is on hand.

Have a look at the recent "A Tale of Two D4s" thread.

I'm a fan of smooth, silky, colorado claro / colorado wrappers....

[Maxismoke]

I 100% Agree, as a rule of thumb i find NC wrappers to be ugly, coarse and dry looking.

CC are in general thinner, silky, just looks NICE.

[avaldes]

I have noticed the proliferation of "toothy" wrappers on Cuban cigars...I don't approve.

[Smallclub]

I have noticed the proliferation of "toothy" wrappers on Cuban cigars...

[SCgarman]

Maybe on fakes, but tooth on a genuine Habano? I have many boxes in my cabinet and.....uh Not!

[avaldes]

LOL! Here is an example.

[bbguardsp]

"Tooth" is a very GOOD thing. It's literally oil pockets produced through proper fermentation.

[CaptainQuintero]

is this going to be a tooth is oil or not / plume is mould topic?

[ogus]

HU #2 courtesy of Mr Habana Mike was memorable for being the oiliest sheeniest wrapper I have experienced

I find myself reminiscing about that cigar more than any other and it was one of the most surprisingly pleasing sticks ever.

[avaldes]

I agree Hutch, more like the surface texture of that particular leaf. It is mostly present in Hemingway Cameroon wrappers. you see little "pebbles" even in the ash. I never understood why CA and other publications promoted that as a desirable trait in cigars.

I smoked that cigar in the picture last night and it tasted spectacular. It is from a PSP box received from Rob a few weeks ago. It is just a weird experience holding a cigar with a rough wrapper. I am sure we would all prefer a perfectly silky Rosado wrapper, but we don't always get that, even in a box that is the right color.

[Smallclub]

but the leaf texture isn't a function of fermentation...IME

True, but the amount of oil isn't either...

[bbguardsp]

http://cigarfan.net/2008/08/05/some-thoughts-about-tooth-and-grain/

here is an interesting article.