What Makes a Wrapper “Oscuro”?

Cigars come in many shapes, sizes, shades, and colors. For today’s article, we’re going to focus on the darkest of dark cigar leaves: the classic Oscuro wrapper. 

Oscuro tobacco is not a “type” of tobacco like, say, Corojo, for instance, but rather a leaf that’s developed in a certain way. As a result, many different types of tobacco can be converted to Oscuro. 

We’ll cover that process in greater detail and share a few of our favorite cigars below.

What is an Oscuro? 

Oscuro translates to “dark” in Spanish, and, in the simplest sense, it’s the darkest possible color a cigar leaf can have. Oscuros are the darkest cigars. They have either a very dark brown or jet-black color. They are typically full-bodied and boast big and bold flavors like spice, pepper, and leather. However, they can also deliver more subtle and sweet flavors like coffee and chocolate as well. 

What Makes an Oscuro an Oscuro?

Often, leaves that will one day become Oscuros are taken from the first priming of a tobacco plant — meaning they’re at the top of the stalk and get the most sunlight. Next, the leaves are allowed to ferment for an especially long time, which gives them their signature black color. 

Which Tobaccos are Oscuros?

While many tobacco types can technically become Oscuro wrappers, usually Oscuros come from places like Brazil, Mexico (San Andrés to be specific), or the Connecticut River Valley (Connecticut Broadleaf). These leaves have developed a reputation for making especially flavorful and desirable Oscuros, and thus are reserved for this purpose.

What’s the Difference Between a Maduro and an Oscuro?  

Maduros are also dark cigars, but the simplest way to tell a Maduro and an Oscuro apart is that Oscuros are even darker! 

What are the Best Oscuro Cigars?

Here are some of our favorite Oscuros that every cigar fan should try.

• La Flor Dominicana Colorado Oscuro
• League of Fat Bastards Serie O
• CAO Brazilia
• My Father Le Bijou 

• Hoyo de Monterrey Oscuro

What’s your favorite Oscuro cigar? Sign up for Cigar World and let us know with a comment!