Candela Wrapper

When you think of a cigar, more than likely you picture it with a brown wrapper, like a Montecristo No. 2 or even darker like a Brick House Maduro Robusto. However what if we told you there are cigars out there that are green… That’s right green! This is due to a certain kind of cigar wrapper which is very popular in the U.S. called Candela.

Between the 1950’s to 70’s, billions of cigars were smoked in the U.S. and during that period the vast majority of them would have been candelas. They were so popular that major importers of Cuban cigars designated the candela wrapped cigars to the U.S. and even called them ‘American Market Selection’ (AMS).

In order to maintain the green wrapper the usual process of curing tobacco leaves is cut down to as little as three days. During this heat-curing process the chlorophyll in the leaves is fixed in place, giving the wrapper a beautiful green shade.

Candela cigars originated in Cuba in the 1940’s due to the demand for milder cigars from the U.S. Tobacco manufacturers would free the lighter tobacco in order to keep it green. This was followed by a quick fire-cure that would make the leaves even greener. This process was much quicker than the traditional way, so became popular with the manufacturers as they could make cigars much faster.

The typical tobacco used in cigar making is hung in a curing barn for 30 to 45 days to dry. During this process the leaf will turn from a green to brown. For candelas, the curing process needs to be sped up in order to lock in the green colouring. To do this they seal the barn and turn up the heat. Exposing the leaf to extreme heat causes it to become crispy and fragile. The leaves need to be rehydrated in order for them to be useful for wrapping.

When candela cigars were first around they were much more mild and darker, the flavours were sweet and almost pineapple flavoured. Following the Cuban Embargo, cigar makers tried to do the same process with Dominican tobacco, however they were sour flavoured.

These days candela cigars are still mild and tend to taste herbal, grassy and even creamy to smoke.

We recommend trying the Oscar Valladares 2012 Barber Pole Toro Cigar

Dressed in eye-catching Candela and Mexican San Andres wrappers, the 2021 by Oscar Barber Pole brings not only the cool barber pole striped look but awesome flavour to match. A unique creation, the 2021 by Oscar Barber Pole delivers smooth tones of nougat, caramel, coffee and red pepper courtesy of a rich blend of Honduran and Nicaraguan binder and fillers that lie beneath its festive wrapper stripes. 

As well as Alec Bradley Black Market Filthy Hooligan Shamrock

What sets the Shamrock apart from other barber pole cigars is that it is covered in not one, not two, but three different wrapper leaves - a Candela, a Maduro and a Seco which were all grown in Honduras. Alec Bradley are keeping the binder and filler details are closely guarded secret! 

While candela wrapped cigars may not be to everyone’s liking, they are still a must have to any cigar lovers collection as they will stand out and impress your friends.

Written by Oliver Partington