Where do the best tobacco leaves in the world come from? They come from Cuba, the Caribbean Islands, Virginia, the Carolinas, and Connecticut. Out of all the locations on this list, Connecticut may be a surprise to most readers.
We often hear about the quality of Cuban cigars or Virginia cigarettes; however, we hardly ever hear of Connecticut leaves. Even though these leaves may not bask in the same glory as their counterparts, they have a very important place in tobacco aficionados’ hearts.Connecticut is the home of the quality tobacco that is grown in the shade.
According to Cynthia Wolfe Boynton, Connecticut leaves are used in high-end cigars like Davidoff, Macanudo and Arturo Fuente (1). Surprisingly, Connecticut’s leaves have not reached the same level of recognition as their Cuban and Virginian counterparts have. Even though casual tobacco users do not know about Connecticut’s leaves, tobacco enthusiasts are very well aware of Connecticut’s gem.
Connecticut leaves have many qualities that make them important to tobacco connoisseurs. In an interview with Mark Vaughan, Daniel Nunez states, “With flavor we don’t want anything disagreeable, no metallic or foreign tastes; we want the aroma to be sweet, not bitter; and the burn should he consistent, a long ash as white as possible that doesn’t fall. That is what we strive for with our Connecticut shade tobacco and that is why Connecticut shade is the best wrapper leaf on the market today” (Vaughan 1). These are qualities that tobacco enthusiasts are looking for.
Connecticut leaves are used as wraps for cigars. They have great qualities in taste and burning. Enveloping a high-end leaf, the Connecticut leaf adds the finishing touch on a nice cigar. Some people even consider Connecticut leaves to be the best wrap leaves in the world.
Connecticut’s leaves are popular not only for their quality but also for their rarity. According to Cynthia Wolfe Boynton, the state of Connecticut has only nine fields of shade tobacco growing (1). Mark Vaughan states that the limited number of fields increases the demand for Connecticut’s leaves. Often, a product’s rarity can make the product more appealing to aficionados. The knowledge that one is enjoying a product with limited availability can give a sense of exclusiveness.
Many factors are involved in the desirability of Connecticut’s leaves. Whether one is looking for a quality cigar or an exclusive experience, Connecticut leaves can fulfill the desires of tobacco enthusiasts. Next time you are looking for a quality cigar, remember to explore using Connecticut leaves.
Vaughan, Mark. “Surprise in Connecticut.” Cigar Aficionado. Cigar Aficionado. Web. 05 Feb. 2016.
http://www.cigaraficionado.com/webfeatures/show/id/Surprise-in-Connecticut_7833
Wolfe Boynton, Melissa. “The Secret Life of Shade Tobacco.” The New York Times. The New York Times, 23 Sept. 2007. Web. 05 Feb. 2016. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/23/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/23mainct.html?_r=0
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