Criollo wrapper cigars are a part of a back-and-forth story that took place over many years in Cuba. In the early years, criollo (Cree-oh-yo) tobacco was dominant as a wrapper leaf on cigars, but over time, Corojo took its place, delivering a nice spicy punch. Issues like mold eventually had farmers seeking other solutions, and new growing methods and hybrid varietals were developed for both leaf types. Now, you can find them on a variety of modern cigars, although the ones we sell stateside feature criollo wrapper tobacco grown anywhere but Cuba.
There are quite a few good examples of criollo wrapper cigars. One is the Joya de Nicaragua Cabinetta, which scored 90 points with Cigar Aficionado thanks to its “woody and tangy” flavors, which offer “hints of vanilla bean, but take… on the sweet quality of chocolate-covered raisins.”
Camacho also makes a criollo wrapper cigar, but instead of growing the tobacco in Nicaragua, they go across the border to Honduras to get their leaf. The result is a great 92-point smoke with the flavors of cocoa, earthiness, and savory leather.
There are even some very fancy cigars that use the Criollo wrapper, like the Gurkha Cellar Reserve, which features a 15-year aged Criollo ’98 wrapper, and the El Centurion by My Father.
The flavors of the Criollo wrapper vary quite a bit depending on the soil in which it is grown. While many countries seem to have established blends for the various growing regions found there, things get complicated when you start asking which varietal you’re smoking. A criollo wrapper grown in Nicaragua will not be the same as one grown in Mexico. The best way to get a handle on it is to smoke a few of each type and figure out which ones you like best. The cigars cited in this description (i.e. the Joya Cabinetta, the Camacho Criollo, and the Gurkha Cellar Reserve 15 Year) would be a great place to start.
The “native seed” of Cuba has been around for ages for a reason: it’s rich and flavorful, and a pleasure to smoke. If you’ve never taken a puff, it’s probably time to give it a shot.
Please browse our selection of criollo wrapper cigars at your leisure.
