One of the biggest myths surrounding these dark cigars is that they are all strong and spicy. First, "maduro" means "ripe," and although many Maduro-wrapped cigars tend to be stronger, it doesn't mean all of them are. As Pops told me, never judge a book by its cover. In reality, you will find a wide spectrum of different strength levels and flavor profiles. So if you've been hesitant to try a darker variety, fear not. There are also many milder options. One thing's for sure: these extra-fermented leaves deliver a deep, rich, flavorful profile that's hard to resist.

Some believe that the darker the wrapper, the stronger the cigar, which causes them to avoid darker wrappers. However, Maduro Cigars are often considered milder than their counterparts. Thanks to their extensive cooking, fermentation and aging process, they acquire a special sweetness. Cigar aficionados report that the wrapper creates notes of dark chocolate, coffee, and a hint of spice, producing a fullness and richness that influences the overall experience of smoking a cigar. However, there is debate as to whether the wrapper or filling has a greater influence on the overall flavor. The answer may vary. The wrapper significantly influences the flavor of the cigar, along with the cured fillers, creating a unique flavor.

The process of darkening tobacco leaves is exhaustive, different from typical Claro or Colorado wrappers. When growing tobacco plants for Cigarro Maduro wrappers, leaf strain selection is extremely important. Some strains are not thick or sturdy enough to withstand the intense heat and fermentation process required. Common leaves used for these dark layers are Connecticut Broadleaf, Mexican Sumatra, and San Andrés Negro; All of these strains are tough and thick enough to withstand the intensity of the browning process. The leaves for Maduro Cigar wrappers are harvested only from the top leaves of the tobacco plant, known as 'Ligero'. Due to constant exposure to the sun, the leaf darkens, thickens and produces oil to protect itself from the heat, while softening the flavors. Leaves grown in shade tend to be thinner and silkier, and may not withstand the additional fermentation process.

After harvest, the leaves are prepared for the curing and fermentation process to darken them further. The leaves are placed in large quantities during this procedure: the weight, humidity and heat cause the tobacco leaves to "sweat", drawing out the oils, converting the starches to sugars and darkening the color. With regular cigar wrappers, 25 degrees Celsius is used to ferment the leaves, but with Maduro Cigars, thanks to their thick leaves, you can reach over 40 degrees Celsius. Tobacco leaves are aged for a minimum of 1 year.

All the stages that a Maduro Cigar wrapper goes through directly affect the smoking experience. The thickness and fattiness of the wrapper creates a slower burn, allowing the smoker to relax and savor the flavor. Due to the thickness of the wrapper, the burn line could become wavy and create an unusual edge; Therefore, it is recommended to toast the cigar first and then light it. Maduro Cigars are great for special occasions as they generally offer complex, sweet and flavorful smokes. Thanks to the added sweetness of the wrapper, they can be a great addition to desserts.