 ADRIAN LESLEY examines the unstoppable rise of the maduro wrapper In recent years, the growing popularity of cigars with dark or maduro wrappers has encouraged manufacturers in all the major tobacco-growing countries to launch a surprisingly diverse range of brands. In the current issue of Cigar Aficionado, no less than a quarter of all cigars reviewed are maduros. Premier Cuban brand Cohiba is set to launch the first three cigars of a new maduro range, and more sizes are destined to follow in the future. Of course Cuba has already flirted with the concept of specially aged cigars, preparing darker wrapper leaves as part of an ongoing agricultural experiment since the launch of the first limited editions back in 2001. The dark, luscious, almost glamorous appeal of the maduro wrapper leaf certainly enhances the look of the cigar, whatever form it takes. The subtle, complex flavours and taste imparted by the wrappers give the smoke an added dimension. Many of my regular customers indulge in a decent maduro cigar to refresh or revitalize their jaded palate. The maduro cigar can offer a subtle blend of nuts, coffee and spice rather than a predominantly tobacco experience. A change is as good as a rest, but judging from some of the high ratings being achieved by maduros, these cigars are here to stay. Adrian Lesley is the proprietor of Cigars Unlimited, south-west London’s leading cigar specialist and Habanos Gold Medal retailer. Tel: +44 (0)20 7386 9000, www.cigarsunlimited.co.uk HUMIDOR  CAO Brazilia Gol (129 mm x 56 ring gauge)
A real hybrid, this one. Made in Honduras and sporting an attractive Brazilian arapicaca wrapper from Bahia, the Gol boasts a Nicaraguan binder and filler topped off with a band replicating the Brazilian national colours. You can almost hear the football commentator screaming the word “goal” at the top of his voice. The Gol’s white ash creates a striking contrast to the rich, dark hue of the wrapper, while the overall effect is of spices and nuts mixed with tobacco to create an almost sensual confection. Different and engaging, this is the perfect antidote to the jaded palate. Recommended. 
Ashton Virgin Sun Grown Enchantment (111 mm x 60 ring gauge) The brainchild of Carlos Fuente Jr, Ashton’s Virgin Sun Grown range was first produced in the Dominican Republic in the late 1990s. The Enchantment is so potent that it carries a health warning and a recommendation that you smoke it sitting down! This cigar uses the finest four- to five-year-old Dominican filler and binder tobaccos; the finished product is again aged a full six months to impart a rich, complex, peppery flavour. The result is a full-bodied, consistently highly rated figurado cigar.  Macanudo Diplomat (114 mm x 44 ring gauge)
They say one should never judge a book by its cover, and the Diplomat is a case in point. On viewing the dark, ebony-coloured Connecticut broadleaf wrapper adorning this pocket figurado, one might be forgiven for assuming that it packed a powerful punch, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. The Diplomat is a mild and well-mannered Dominican cigar blended from a mix of Dominican and Mexican tobaccos that suggest coffee and spice. Its smooth draw and enticing maduro wrapper make for an engaging short smoke. A popular choice. |