Random questions frequently asked by novice smokers and aspiring cigar connoisseurs
I heard that the darker the wrapper, the stronger the cigar - is this true?
This is a very common cigar myth, and is extraordinarily far from the truth. Equating a cigar's wrapper with its strength is a huge misconception. And unfortunately, this misconception may deter a novice smoker from trying a phenomenal cigar for fear that the darker cigar may be to strong for them.
The strength of a cigar depends directly on the composition of the filler tobacco, not the wrapper. There are seven traditional shades or color of cigar wrappers, ranging from double claro (light green) to oscuro (almost black). Oscuro cigars may be mild in strength, just as lighter claro cigars may be very strong. Maduro leaves undergo a longer fermentation process and do not increase in strength, rather they become richer and a little sweeter, as the sugars develop.
And since we are talking about strength, many confuse strength with body in terms of flavor - strength refers to the nicotine potency (which may influence how you feel after a smoke) or the spice intensity; body refers to the richness and depth of tobacco flavor. Therefore, a strong cigar may be medium-bodied, and a mild-medium cigar may be full-bodied.
So, I encourage you to sample every color wrapper possible - and enjoy the journey as you refine your palate!