The wrapper: .01% of the cigar

[Eins]

I just finished this CAO gold label and while I was enjoying it, I was wondering why the micron-thin wrapper has such a high importance for the flavor of a cigar, when it is but a tiny fraction of the entire cigar.

As you can tell, I want to learn about our mutual object of desire.

 

[Matt R]

The wrapper doesn't have any more impact on the flavor than any other component, except for the fact that it is the wrapper that touches the lips and tongue. You also have a reaction due to the appearance of the wrapper, which may mold the way you taste the cigar.

 

[Eshaw99]

Matt R is right. It is a common misconception that a wrapper accounts for 90% of a cigar's flavor. It can have a significant impact on flavor, such as a mellowing effect in the case of a maduro, but the binder and filler can have different effects that will shape the flavor of the cigar as a whole.

 

[Gael]

Sorry to disagree guys, but the wrapper has an enormous impact on a blend. While many people disagree on what percentage it actually impacts the taste, truth is that it's significant.

Example: If you create a certain blend, bunch it and then put the wrapper on it you will have the specific blended profile you set out to make. However, if you take that exact same "bunch" but apply a different type of wrapper, that blend will taste completely different. keep in mind that a cigar is blended to work with specific tobaccos and if you change ANY components, the blend will be skewed.

How much does the wrapper actually affect the flavor and characteristics of a blend? IMHO, significantly. It's sometimes a very subtle difference but most times it's a very significant difference. Again, this is only my opinion, but I share this opinion with many cigar makers. If I had to pick a percentage, I would say more than 50%. The wrapper is what brings all the components of a blend together, pure and simple. It's similar to putting salt or spices in food. How much does this influence a sauce? Well again, it's considerable. Salt and spices bring out all the nuances of the ingredients to the palate. Wrapper does the same thing. It has a huge impact on the finished product. Some work well together and others conflict with each other.

Thats my take

 

[MonkeyK]

I also think that the wrapper has a significant impact on flavor. I had a recent experience, where I could not keep the wrapper lit. While the wrapper was unlit, the cigar (very old) tasted woody. Every time I relit the wrapper, extra flavor came out (citrus, carmel).

This is not hard to test empirically.. Get a cigar going, and then spray the outside with water. Do it with a cigar you are familiar with, so you know what you should expect. Does it taste like the same cigar?

 

[KayakinBoy]

I think besides the great points mentioned, the wrapper is there to help your draw. when I first started smoking, I'd take off the bands, and thus it would make the wrapper peal alot easier, and so I noticed on certain cigars, when the wrapper would go, so would the draw.