*** These are varietal families of dark air-cured tobaccos: a multitude of individual varietals exist under these families.

Broadleaf wrappers are enormous, resilient, thick leaves which are ideal for maduro production.  Broadleaf wrapper is not primed, but rather the whole plant is "stalk" cut.  Broadleaf has been smoked in America for centuries and it was most popular on mass produced, non-premium cigars until the early 2000s when extraordinary cigar makers like Drew Estate and E.P. Carrillo started using the leaf on their premium and super-premium blends.  

Central African [or Cameroon] wrappers have a luscious dark brown color, often with an attractive reddish tint.  They are richly flavored, and can have a unique “toothy” or grain-like texture.  Most Central African/Cameroon wrappers are smaller in size and are not suitable for larger cigars.

Connecticut wrappers are typically grown under shade and are renown for their light brown/tan color, mild flavor, subtle aroma, silkiness, thin veins, and elasticity/strength.  The elasticity of the leaf allows it to be pulled taught by the cigar roller, thereby creating a silkier sheen and more attractive appearance.  Growing season in the Connecticut river valley is between May and September.

Habano seed varietal tobacco is commonly used for filler and wrappers.  This traditional Cuban varietal family has been hybridized and cross-bred to create many new modern varietals.  Habano tobaccos are prized for their rich flavor and aromas as well as consistent and darker wrapper shades.  See Glossary. 

Sumatra wrappers are renowned for the spectrum of shades they can have when properly fermented: from claro to maduro.  Sumatran wrappers are very elastic like Connecticut but they can contain significantly more flavor.

Piloto Cubano is a popular varietal family used primarily for filler.  Originally from Cuba, these plants are used throughout the Dominican Republic and Central America and are famous for their substantial flavor characteristics.