About 60-80 years ago, Candela Cigars were the MOST popular in America. In addition to being called Double Claro or Candela, they were also dubbed the American Market Selection. We’re talking like 9 out of 10 cigars would be green, which begs the question… why?

Well, instead of taking 4-6 weeks for air-cured wrappers, you can cure a Candela wrapper in just 3 days similar to the flue-curing process. The process involves a lot of heat and much more attention both during and afterward, but the time savings is astronomical. And you don’t only save time on the curing process, I’ve also heard that you don’t have to ferment Candela leaves after curing either… making it even more lucrative.

In the 40s and 60s, Candela cigars were also a touch milder and sweeter than other Cuban blends. It just so happened that America was at an awesome intersection: what we wanted most was simultaneously the fastest to turn around and put in our hands.

In fact, there was a large period in Dominican history in which Candela was the only type of cigar wrapper produced!

What determines a Candela’s shade?

Ultimately, the various green shades of a Candela wrapper are determined by light, heat, and priming. More light produces a lighter shade of green like the Arturo Fuente 858 Claro or Illusione CG4 Candela. More heat or a higher priming of leaf produces a darker shade of green like the Jake Wyatt Lucid Interval.

If you haven’t tried a Candela cigar in a while, there are some on the market these days that have more body than you’d expect. Take the Lucid Interval, for instance, it’s a Dominican puro that comes in around the medium or medium+ body and strength.