Can I use any cigar tobacco I grow for any part of the cigar?

[ryanj77]

Title really says it all. I plan on growing the following cigar tobacco this year:

Conn. Shade
Conn. Broadleaf
Black Mammoth
Criollo
Mexican filler
Habano

Can I use any of these as filler or binder, depending on leaf quality of course. I am trying to figure out the ratio of wrapper/binder/filler I should grow. Do any of them not make good filler/binder/wrapper? I plan on growing about 60 plants this year.

 

[deluxestogie]

In general, yes. Grade the leaf, regardless of variety, for what role it can play in your cigar. I think CT Shade makes pretty crappy filler. I have no idea what "Mexican" filler might be. Just keep in mind that Black Mammoth can have very high nicotine, so that its lower leaves might be as strong as typical viso or even ligero.

Bob

 

[ryanj77]

In general, yes. Grade the leaf, regardless of variety, for what role it can play in your cigar. I think CT Shade makes pretty crappy filler. I have no idea what "Mexican" filler might be. Just keep in mind that Black Mammoth can have very high nicotine, so that its lower leaves might be as strong as typical viso or even ligero.

Bob

Thanks Bob. Looks like CT shade binder and wrapper only, easy on the mammoth as filler. Will probably experiment with the shade as a filler just to see if I agree.

 

[ArizonaDave]

Can I use any of these as filler or binder, depending on leaf quality of course. I am trying to figure out the ratio of wrapper/binder/filler I should grow. Do any of them not make good filler/binder/wrapper? I plan on growing about 60 plants this year.

I see you're growing Criollo. You might want to add Corojo. A Criollo/Corojo combo is excellent in a cigar. Black Mammoth? I've grown it, but never tried to smoke it. It's more of a chew tobacco.

 

[ryanj77]

I see you're growing Criollo. You might want to add Corojo. A Criollo/Corojo combo is excellent in a cigar. Black Mammoth? I've grown it, but never tried to smoke it. It's more of a chew tobacco.

I read on multiple sites that the Black Mammoth is good wrapper for new cigar rollers. Thought I would give it a try. Just ordered some corojo, thanks for the advice. Also just picked up some Little Dutch just because it sounded interesting.

 

[deluxestogie]

Black Mammoth is good wrapper for new cigar rollers

Probably true. Good for the roller. Not so much for the cigar. I believe it would be quite thick, with prominent secondary veins, and would be strong for a wrapper. I find Black Mammoth still a little intimidating even after I cook it into a Cavendish.

Bob

 

[ryanj77]

Good for the roller. Not so much for the cigar.

Bob

Well I don't want to roll a cigar that intimidates a seasoned veteran. Am second guessing the Mammoth now. Any thoughts on the Little Dutch? It sounds nice sweet and smooth.

 

[deluxestogie]

I like Little Dutch in cigars. The leaf vein angle limits the ring size to about 38, when used as a wrapper. [Decades ago, Marsh Wheeling Deluxe Stogies were made from PA Red and Little Dutch.]

Bob

 

[ArizonaDave]

Well I don't want to roll a cigar that intimidates a seasoned veteran. Am second guessing the Mammoth now. Any thoughts on the Little Dutch? It sounds nice sweet and smooth.

I usually make Cigarillo size out of the Little Dutch. Love the flavor!

 

[ArizonaDave]

Any thoughts on the Little Dutch? It sounds nice sweet and smooth.

I get a slight floral scent, had a hummingbird hover right in front of the cigar. He seems to like the plants and cigar