The Connecticut cigar wrapper is one of the most popular and sought-after American-sourced wrappers among cigar enthusiasts worldwide — and for good reason. With flavor notes that range from subtle sweet woodiness to distinctive bitter chocolate notes, it is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a light brew of lagers beer as it does a morning cup of coffee.
Every cigar manufacturer loves putting their personal stamps on the wrapper, but more than the brand, the final result of a cigar rolled in a Connecticut wrapper is strongly dictated by where it grows. Unsurprisingly, the Connecticut River Valley is home to two different types of Connecticut tobacco, shade and broadleaf.
Connecticut Shade is grown under the shade and is known for its golden-brown color and mild taste profile, while Connecticut Broadleaf is grown in open sunlight and prized for its wide structure carrying leathery and mineral flavors — both aptly named. Some of the things we love so much about this variety are how well it marries with humidor aging and its incredible approachability for all levels of cigar enthusiasts. Yet even though all Connecticut-wrapped smokes have some common characteristics, it is a fascinating and highly enjoyable experience to compare examples from different regions.
For those of you who don’t know where to begin, don’t worry; our cigar aficionados already did the hard work for you. Regardless of whether you’re a mellow Connecticut cigar devotee or just looking to expand your palate, you surely will find a new favorite from our top picks.
Top 10 Cigars with Connecticut Wrappers
Table of Contents
#1 Oliva Connecticut Reserve Robusto
There are many celebrated and collectible cigars rolled in Connecticut wrappers from all parts of the world, but when we think of the best of the best, it’s always the Oliva Connecticut Reserve. Our cigar aficionados can confidently say that the Oliva Connecticut Reserve Robusto is one of—if not the best—examples on the market for quality and inherent varietal characteristics of a Connecticut wrapper in the world. We know that’s a huge statement, but wow, this cigar is amazing. Everything about this cigar is in harmony. Put the word “subtle” before the words: toasted peanuts, wood, cedar, and earth; and that only begins to convey its grandeur. The balance on the palate is impeccable, with mellow to medium-bodied strength pushing and pulling the mouthfeel between subtle spice to woodsy tones, only to let you go and wanting more.
5 × 50
Wrapper type: Ecuador Connecticut
Length: 5
Ring: 50
Shape: Unknown
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Origin: Nicaragua
Strength: Mellow-Medium
Wrapper Shade: Natural
#2 Romeo y Julieta House of Capulet Robusto
Well, this is interesting. Covered by opaque parchment paper with intricate designs and sporting silver and red double bands, the Romeo y Julieta House of Capulet Robusto is the epitome of class. Once you’re done admiring the unique-looking bands on this Nicaraguan beauty, you’ll notice the sleek Connecticut wrapper the cigar provides. This stick has that lean, mineral-driven feel to it that packs all of the full-flavored yet mellow strength that newcomers to the world of cigars will look for. It has an unmistakable smooth creaminess that whispers so clearly the complex blend of butterscotch, butter, and coffee beans.
There are blends with more power and more rarity, but to our cigar expert Maria Morales, the cigars crafted by the Imperial Brands offer an unparalleled expression of the terroir and can only be described as ethereal. This robusto is impeccably balanced, elegant, and expressive in its subtlety. Sound a bit poetic? Well, that’s how this masterpiece of a cigar makes us feel. Try one for yourself, and you’ll know.
5 × 54
Wrapper type: Ecuador Connecticut
Length: 5
Ring: 54
Shape: Parejo
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua / Honduras
Origin: Nicaragua
Strength: Mellow-Medium
Wrapper Shade: Natural
#3 Perdomo Reserve Champagne Epicure
The Perdomo Reserve Champagne Epicure is what happens when you combine quality growing techniques with experienced blending. The balance of this Nicaraguan cigar is phenomenal. Its medium strength plays well with the creamy mouthfeel.
6 × 54
Wrapper type: Connecticut Champagne
Length: 6
Ring: 54
Shape: Toro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Origin: Nicaragua
Strength: Medium
Wrapper Shade: Connecticut shade
#4 Macanudo Café Court Tubos
Macanudo Café cigars are handcrafted from the finest Connecticut Shade wrappers hailing all the way from the Dominican Republic and Mexico. The Macanudo Café Court Tubos has all the depth of some of the stronger-bodied cigars out there, but with restraint and good retention of rich flavors, you can enjoy its depth without the extra thrash of spice searing your palate. This mild-bodied cigar is very balanced with rich, classic aromas of cedar and hay mingling with subtle hints of sweet wood. The palate is calm, broad, and not weighed down by high levels of spice or too much nicotine. It’s definitely a wonderful cigar that’s perfect for traveling with its aluminum tube and deserves to be shared with good friends.
4.18 × 36
Wrapper type: Connecticut
Length: 4.18
Ring: 36
Shape: Parejo
Binder: Mexico
Filler: Dominican Republic / Mexico
Origin: Dominican Republic
Strength: Mellow
Wrapper Shade: Natural
#5 Hoyo Excalibur No. 1
Full in flavor and perfect in balance, Excaliburs are highly-rated world-class cigars hand-rolled by the same makers as Hoyo De Monterrey. The makers of the Hoyo Excalibur No. 1 make the effort to grow their own Connecticut wrappers to ensure they only use the most consistent and aromatic tobacco leaf for every cigar. Tasting notes of cinnamon, walnut shell, damp earth, and pepper make an exquisite after-dinner treat with your favorite dark roast coffee. With this head-shaking blend all bundled up inside a lustrous golden Connecticut Shade wrapper, you can be sure that it offers a balanced experience that caters to both new and seasoned smokers alike.
7.25 × 54
Wrapper type: Connecticut Shade
Length: 7.25
Ring: 54
Shape: Parejo
Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf
Filler: Dominican Republic/Honduras/Nicaragua
Origin: Honduras
Strength: Medium
Wrapper Shade: Natural
#6 Camacho Connecticut Robusto
Upon lighting a Camacho Connecticut Robusto, you get a very balanced Honduran cigar that will not beat you over the head with tons of nicotine and spice but instead bring you in with the embrace of soft earthy aromas that will embrace your palate with chocolate and buttery richness. Its Honduran Connecticut wrapper covers a superb blend of Honduran and Dominican tobaccos delivering a smooth, rich, and full-flavored smoke. All these make up a classic mellow to medium-bodied cigar that won’t kick you in the teeth with intensity. It’s nice, balanced, and ready for an afternoon on the terrace with some light puffs.
5 × 50
Wrapper type: Honduras Connecticut
Length: 5
Ring: 50
Shape: Unknown
Binder: Honduras Corojo
Filler: Dominican Republic / Honduras
Origin: Honduras
Strength: Mellow-Medium
Wrapper Shade: Natural
#7 Nub Connecticut 354
Cigars rolled in Connecticut wrappers are known for their mellow flavors, smooth creaminess, and an unmatched refined sweetness, but what if all these qualities were in actual harmony? You’d have the Nub Connecticut 354. A beautiful harmony of rich, somewhat sweet core followed by a toasty but crisp aftertaste make this an enticingly complex, medium-bodied cigar. Earth and subtle hints of leather come through as well, adding more depth and complexity. The palate is similar to the aroma — light, lip-smacking, and offers a plethora of flavors. Owned by Oliva Co., this nub cigar is meticulously crafted to perfection, giving each blend a rich flavor profile that is packed into a short stout stick. If you’re looking for an impactful stubby cigar with about an hour-long smoke time packed with enticing flavor profiles, Nub Connecticut 354 is the perfect smoke for you.
3 × 54
Wrapper type: Connecticut
Length: 3
Ring: 54
Shape: Parejo
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Origin: Nicaragua
Strength: Medium
Wrapper Shade: Natural
#8 Tabak Especial Dolce Robusto
The Tabak Especial Dolce Robusto displays a careful balance between strength and finesse, revealing a wide creamy spectrum. It offers a plethora of sweet and savory notes of caramel, cinnamon, and sweet coffee, while the structure is framed by consistent hints of cocoa and a long rounded finish. The overall sweetness and different notes you will experience in the second and final third of this medium-bodied smoke are like nothing we’ve ever enjoyed from Drew Estate. Pair it with a well-oaked Chardonnay, fire up Netflix, and your Saturday night is sorted.
5 × 54
Wrapper type: Connecticut Shade
Length: 5
Ring: 54
Shape: Parejo
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Origin: Nicaragua
Strength: Medium
Wrapper Shade: Natural
#9 La Fontana Vintage Da Vinci
La Fontana is a name you’ll hear again and again when talking about high-quality cigars that take the top spot for producing every blend with premium quality. The La Fontana Vintage Da Vinci is an incredibly complex cigar, boasting a golden brown shade-grown Connecticut wrapper with an entire bouquet of flavors. After a quick cut and light, you’ll enjoy a copiously creamy feast of cocoa and white chocolate sweetness in every draw. If you are in the mood for a great cup of coffee and a cigar to go with it, then the La Fontana Vintage is the answer you’ve been looking for.
7 × 48
Wrapper type: Connecticut Shade
Length: 7
Ring: 48
Shape: Parejo
Binder: Mexico
Filler: Honduras
Origin: Honduras
Strength: Mellow-Medium
Wrapper Shade: Natural
#10 Alec Bradley Connecticut Robusto
For the price, the Alec Bradley Connecticut Robusto delivers. On the outside, introduce your senses to a lush Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper that’s nothing short of distinctly creamy, smooth, and cool. Thoughtfully bundled up inside, a meticulous blend of Nicaraguan and Honduran long-filler tobaccos flood the palate with brimming notes of coffee, nutmeg, nuts, and very light vanilla underlined by notes of black pepper. Alec Bradley Connecticut Robusto is a medium to full-bodied cigar that boasts exceptional craftsmanship and an effortless draw. It brings forth a multitude of taste sensations and is an ideal indulgence for the cigar lover who is not seeking to depart from the mild everyday smoke.
5 × 50
Wrapper type: Ecuador Connecticut
Length: 5
Ring: 50
Shape: Parejo
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Honduras / Nicaragua
Origin: Honduras
Strength: Mellow-Medium
Wrapper Shade: Natural
