How is it that the extremely thin wrapper consists of the majority of the flavor? It is the least amount of the tobacco in the cigar by along way. If the wrapper has most of the flavor why isn't the whole cigar made from it?

Most of the flavor comes from the filler.

When "newbies" ask questions, the "newbies read this" posting is brought up. This question is based on that reading the various links provided there, along with many other sources that all state the wrapper is responsible for the flavor. I have only found one reference that states otherwise, and this reference also stated that the wrapper leaf was the least desirable leaf. Confusion abounds in my mind about this and many other things in the world of cigars.

When "newbies" ask questions, the "newbies read this" posting is brought up. This question is based on that reading the various links provided there, along with many other sources that all state the wrapper is responsible for the flavor. I have only found one reference that states otherwise, and this reference also stated that the wrapper leaf was the least desirable leaf. Confusion abounds in my mind about this and many other things in the world of cigars.

^^ Like ths says, I think that's mostly a myth, just like the one about Cubans being rolled on the thighs of virgins (and people actually believe that one). All the tobacco in the cigar contributes to the flavor profile.

the dreaded double post

The wrapper also aids in with the overall aroma.

Of course. But when reading info about cigars themselves the wrapper is usually the prize, the pot of gold sort to speak. Why? It by volume contributes the least so whats the big deal about the wrapper anyway?

This I can understand being of great importance since 80% of taste comes from the aroma. Some reading leads you to believe that the more aged filler and binder produce less aroma.

It by volume contributes the least so whats the big deal about the wrapper anyway?

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Like the paint on a car, it has little volume overall, but it's what you see and gets your attention, there's no functional difference between a yellow car and a red car, but most people have a preference. Looks play a big part of how you perceive the cigar will taste before you even light it.

good answer. I like it. It does seem that in the world of cigars judging a book by it's cover is accepted practice. Fine cigar makers want their product to look good. Fine eating establishments(can't spell resteraunt)view presentation as an art.

The wrapper can be a significant part of the flavor of a cigar. If you don't beleive me or you want a good example then light up a Perdomo LTCS Champagne and then follow it with a Perdomo LTCS camaroon. Both cigars have the exact same binder and filler, the only difference is the wrapper. These cigars taste like night and day. Try it and you will be amazed.

A taste test, great idea. I'll do it. Never the less why does the wrapper have that much effect when it is so little of the cigar? Is it where or how the leaf is grown or aged? Is it the type of tobacco that it is? Is it due to where on the tobacco plant it comes from? I have noticed that the wrapper leaf seems to be much oilier than the filler or binder when looking at pictures. Also there are a few places here in vegas that hand roll their own brand. If you go to their walk in humi the tobacco is there waiting to be made into smokable sticks. I've had the oppertunity to watch a few being made and again the wrapper seems to be moister, shining with oil. The filler and binder, dry and dull. Why?

Alot of it too depends on the blend of filler and binder leaves used. If stronger flavor and strength filler/binder are used, then the wrapper doesn't really change it much. For instance alot of times they will use a nice Cameroon wrapper on cigars that have been rolled with milder filler/binders so that the cameroon wrapper flavor dominants more in smoking the cigar.

Dave

I'm not sure where I found this link before, but it may have been from a previous posting here on the forum. I did find it helpful in understanding the construction and the taste effects of the wrapper.

http://www.mypvt.com/ccParts.html 

Isfire, the wrapper is the part that rests directly against your lips and tongue, and contributes to the burn as well. Next time you clip a cigar, put int in your mouth, and see if you dont get a big shot of taste even before it's lit! That's the taste of the wrapper! When you eat your dinner, the least ingredient you put in is the salt, but you notice that right up front if it's too salty, or too bland. Very similar situation, not much in line with judging a book by it's cover, although I DID mention a difference between banded and unbanded cigars on another thread, and it DOES affect the overall presentation, but in actual taste such things are meaningless. Wrapper however DOES make a MAJOR difference, see the difference between a Natural and Maduro in the same basic line!

There are probably as many opinions on this as there are cigar smokers. Even the published "experts" can't agree.

Min Ron Nee makes reference to the wrapper contributing from 60% or more of the flavor. Perelman's says that less than 10% comes from the wrapper.

DED

Wrapper leaf is the prize because it is the single most expensive leaves used in making cigars. It might cost 2 dollars a pound for different fillers, but good wrapper might be 5-6 per pound. It is usually very thin and tears easily. Wrapper can change the flavor profile of two cigars with same filler as wiht Joya De Nicrauga. Try them and you will see a pronounced difference. The new Celabrations are the same filler as Antanos just the wrapper are different.

I'm always a little surprised that people on this board seem unwilling to answer newbie questions.After all I thought this board was for all lovers of the leaf to learn from each other. I don't know every thing and if I ask a question I would hope someone answer it for me.If you exclude newbies I think you are driving people away.I do recomend getting a good book about cigars. As it will answer some questions that all here have answered 100 times. For my part I always try to make people feel welcome on any board I post on.It can be hard for newbies to post questions for fear of being slammed. IMHO.

One other thing about wrappers, they are fermented as many as two to three times. During this process they add different spices to flavor the wrapper. Sometimes curing it in rooms with strong smells will impart flavors in the tobaccos. Thats why they use 50 year old congac barrels and such.Fillers I think are cured or barn dried. Not much is done to them. They get different taste through mixing several different tabaccos from regions.