Deep Dive: Connecticut Broadleaf Tobacco
In the construction of a premium cigar, much of what influences its flavor is contained in the wrapper. Now, most people new to the cigar world start out with a cigar wrapper that’s a bit more mild, like a golden Connecticut Shade wrapper on a Macanudo Cafe or CAO Gold.
But, as many of us begin to gain more smoking experience, we tend to desire more flavor. That’s where a wrapper like Connecticut Broadleaf tobacco comes into the mix, and that’s the focus of our blog today. So, sit back and enjoy a deep dive into Connecticut Broadleaf tobacco.
What is Connecticut Broadleaf tobacco?
In premium cigars, Connecticut Broadleaf tobacco is used mainly as a wrapper. It’s grown
in the Connecticut River Valley, where tobacco farmers have been planting crops since the 1700s.
There are three primary varieties of Connecticut River Valley based tobacco:
- Connecticut Shade
- Ecuador Connecticut
- Connecticut Broadleaf
Directly exposed to the sun, Connecticut Broadleaf plants are short and bushy with very wide leaves (hence the name broadleaf) and, after being cured, they darken quite drastically in color. For that reason, Connecticut Broadleaf is utilized in many of the best Maduro cigars blended today.
Do keep in mind, on the harvesting side, it’s difficult to work with, and only about ½ of the cultivated plant is usable in the production of premium cigar wrappers. So, that may be why you tend to see a little higher price tag on many cigars that boast a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper.
The top-rated Connecticut Broadleaf cigars.
Arturo Fuente Montesino Maduro
Montesino Maduro by Arturo Fuente is a slight departure in taste from the standard Fuente line. These reasonably priced cigars provide an enticingly smooth and mellow bodied experience. On the exterior, you’ll find a dark and enticing Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper that cloaks a unique combination of Nicaraguan binders and Dominican long-filler leaves to provide a naturally sweet and smooth smoking experience.
CAO Flathead V554 Camshaft
Inspired by hot rods and pin-up girls, CAO Flathead is a box pressed collection that hits on all cylinders. Hand-shaped to deliver a striking flat top, the cigar features a brawny Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper and a blend that's heavy on Nicaraguan leaf.
Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur Black Maduro
Smooth, medium bodied, with a full flavor bite, Excalibur Black comes cloaked in a dark and oily Broadleaf wrapper that delivers an exceptional combination of savory Honduran and spicy Nicaraguan viso and ligero tobaccos.
La Gloria Cubana Serie R Black Maduro
This deep and full-bodied smoke delivers a powerhouse of flavor, filled with pepper, earth and coffee notes and the slightly sweet, creamy taste that can only be found with an aged Maduro wrapper.
Punch Clásico Maduro
A favorite of tenured smokers, Punch is one of the first cigar brands to have been developed in Honduras. Made in accordance with the country's tradition of expertly curing its tobacco, Punch lives up to its name with a bold, full-flavored taste derived from its Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper and blend of Honduran, Nicaraguan, and Dominican tobaccos.
What’s your favorite cigar with Connecticut Broadleaf? Let us know in the comments!
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Comments
100 AP-1974
(2 years ago)Don't forget the short run of Rocky Patel's Patel Brothers cigars from about 12 years ago. They were really powerful smokes.
2 Hutchmonkey
(2 years ago)La Gloria Cubana Serie R is one of my favorite go-to cigars. Paired with a spiced rum Mojito, you have a great relaxing evening on the front porch.
6 Max the Pug
(2 years ago)Punch Clásico Maduro is a full bodied smoke, easy to drag. Good long lasting cigar. Full flavor. Slow burner, I get a delightful hour from the Clasico. Enjoyable cigar.
2 LittleHavanaHumidor
(2 years ago)AJ Fernandez Enclave Connecticut Broadleaf
Padilla To Whom The Bell Tolls
Padilla Oscuro
Punch Diablo (Connecticut Broadleaf used as a binder)
5 Mr. Mike
(2 years ago)I've got the CAO and LGC in my humidor!
4 LibertyFreak1776
(2 years ago)As a big fan of Broadleaf (CT and PA) I love Punch Diablo, Camacho Triple Maduro and Diesel.
The natural sweetness and rich flavor they provide make them my go-to's!
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