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Wrapper Colour

The colour of a cigar's wrapper, the capa, is generally the key to it's flavour. The darker the wrapper, the more full-bodied and sweeter a cigar is likely to be, although the true determinant is the colour of the filler. A few important variables effect the final flavour and quality of wrapper leaves: their location on the plant; when they are harvested; and how they are fermented or dried. The longer a leaf stays on the plant and the more sunlight it receives, the darker it will be. Cigar wrappers can be classified into seven basic colours, although there are dozens of possible shades. The basic colours of wrappers range from Claro (pale brown) to Oscuro (black).

 
Double Claro - (also called AMS, American Market Selection, or candela) - greenish brown,. The colour is achieved by picking the leaf before it reaches maturity and then drying it rapidly. Very mild, almost bland, with very little oil.
 
Claro - pale brown, like milky coffee. (For example, Havana brands like H.Upmann). The classic mild cigar colour. The colour is also called "natural". Colorado
 
Claro - mild-brown, tawny. (For example, brands, such as Dominican Partag?s, using Cameroon wrappers).
 
Colorado - reddish dark brown, aromatic. This colour is associated with well-matured cigars.
 
Colorado Maduro - dark brown, medium strength, rather more aromatic than maduro. Usually gives a rich flavour, as found in many of the best Honduran cigars.
 
Maduro - very dark brown, like black coffee. (For example, full-bodied Havana brands such as Bolivar.) A colour for seasoned smokers. Sometimes though of as the traditional Cuban colour.