The choice of wrapper leaf influences the flavor, aroma, combustion, and overall experience of a cigar. Two prominent American wrapper leaves that cigar enthusiasts often encounter are Connecticut Broadleaf and Pennsylvania Broadleaf. While both hail from the United States and share the "Broadleaf" designation, these two wrappers offer unique characteristics that set them apart.
Note: Connecticut Broadleaf refers to the Connecticut River Valley more so than the state of Connecticut. Nicholas Melillo recently did a wonderful piece with Boveda on their Instagram as to why the CT River Valley is so important and how its history affects crops in the area.
Connecticut Broadleaf Flavor Profile
Connecticut Broadleaf wrappers are often found in maduro cigars, renowned for their deep, rich flavors. The extended fermentation process contributes to the wrapper's darkness and imparts a sweetness with pronounced notes of earth, chocolate, and coffee. The interplay between sweet tasting notes and darker undertones is what keeps everyone coming back to this wonderful leaf.
Pairing Connecticut Broadleaf
Given the above-mentioned characteristics, Connecticut Broadleaf wrappers pair exceptionally well with complex beverages like whiskey, espresso, or rum. The indulgent flavors of this Broadleaf varietal harmonize with the complexity of these pours very well. A personal favorite of mine is Coke Zero.
Notable Connecticut Broadleaf Cigars
Some of the most notable Connecticut Broadleaf cigars include Drew Estate’s Liga Privada No. 9, Foundation’s The Tabernacle, Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust’s Mi Querida, Tatuaje’s Reserva Broadleaf, RoMa Craft’s Cromagnon, and Crowned Heads’ Le Careme.
Pennsylvania Broadleaf Flavor Profile
Pennsylvania Broadleaf is known for its earthy, rustic qualities. Enthusiasts can expect a flavor profile that includes notes of wood, spicy leather, and once again a distinct earthiness. Unlike the refined sweetness of Connecticut Broadleaf, Pennsylvania Broadleaf tends to offer a darker sweetness akin to molasses with a touch of spices. Whereas the Connecticut River Valley yields a more sophisticated, well rounded flavor profile, Pennsylvania Broadleaf is a little rough around the edges. Many cigar enthusiasts (myself included) enjoy the more raw, rustic profile as a change of pace from the norm.
If Connecticut and Pennsylvania Broadleaf were whiskeys, Connecticut Broadleaf would be a smooth, sweet Tennessee whiskey like Bib & Tucker while Pennsylvania Broadleaf would be a spicy son-of-a-gun like High West’s Double Rye.
Pairing Pennsylvania Broadleaf
The attitude of Pennsylvania Broadleaf pairs well with the same pours as Connecticut Broadleaf, although I would opt for a higher proof. Rye whiskey is a personal favorite with Pennsylvania Broadleaf, and I’ve heard from friends that they enjoy red wine with this Broadleaf varietal quite a bit too.
Notable Pennsylvania Broadleaf Cigars
Black Label Trading Company reigns supreme for Pennsylvania Broadleaf in my mind with their Bishops Blend and Memento Mori being the most notable. Southern Draw’s Jacob’s Ladder is another incredible blend that showcases a more approachable introduction to this wrapper leaf.
Last Thoughts
Connecticut Broadleaf and Pennsylvania Broadleaf, despite their shared "Broadleaf" designation, offer cigar enthusiasts very unique journeys. Our advice will always be to Burn to Learn, and you may find that you would use different words to describe the ways in which the terroir affects these two Broadleafs. If you have more to add to this conversation, please don’t hesitate to drop a comment below!
Leave your comment