Top 10 Best Connecticut Shade Wrapper Cigars

1. JC Newman Brick House Double Connecticut

We were blown away when we reviewed JC Newman’s Brick House, which features a double wrapper of Connecticut shade leaf. Its flavours are robust yet refined with a remarkably creamy mouthfeel.

Produced at the Nicaraguan PENSA factory under the watchful guidance of the talented Fausto Gutiérrez Altamirano, this is a cigar blend that we firmly believed should be filling humidors if it isn’t already.

2. Nub Connecticut

A firm favourite among the Bespoke Unit team, the unassuming Nub Connecticut has a bizarre, squat appearance. However, it produces wonderfully bold and creamy flavours while the body remains balanced and restrained.

Perfect as a laidback morning cigar or as a casual summer smoke, it’s an easygoing and well-crafted blend that can last for a solid hour if you take your time.

3. Avo Classic

A luxurious Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper conceals a Dominican blend in this classic cigar that carries the jazz pianist’s namesake. It provides you with the opportunity to enjoy an experience surprisingly similar to a Davidoff Signature at almost half the price.

Of course, there are some subtle differences between the timeless Davidoff and iconic Avo flavour profiles. Nevertheless, the Avo is wonderfully smooth and gets remarkably close to Davidoff’s level of refinement.

4. Perdomo 20th Anniversary Connecticut

With its dizzying golden band and rich ornamentation, the 20th Anniversary Connecticut is a luscious and exciting experience. What sets it apart is the Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper that was aged for eight years before spending an additional eight months in bourbon whiskey barrels.

As a result, it produces a caramelised and oily smoking experience with spicy notes of turmeric and clove as well as succulent molasses and yeasty brioche.

5. Davidoff Signature No 2

The aforementioned Davidoff Signature is an undisputed classic cigar. It was both Zino Davidoff and Dr Schneider’s favourite and they were known to enjoy one every morning.

Refined, delicate, and harmonious, it offers a premium experience that consists of floral tea, cedar, and cream. If you’re looking for a particularly ornate Connecticut cigar, this would be our first choice.

6. Macanudo Gold Label

An extension of the famed Macanudo café, the Gold Label features a wrapper made only from 1st and 2nd primings of US Connecticut volado leaf. Its delicate blend delivers a tableau of aromatic herbs with a creamy opening that mellows into a mineral bouquet towards the finish.

Indeed, it’s somewhat more expensive than the Café, which is also a fine choice. Nevertheless, there is a remarkable difference between it and the Gold Label.

7. Montecristo White Series Vintage Connecticut

Following from the success of the original Montecristo White Series, the Vintage Connecticut features genuine 2008-harvest American shadegrown leaf instead of the original Ecuadorian wrapper.

Consequently, it’s a cigar that delivers a far greater level of personality while the use of Peruvian tobacco also adds additional body. If you’re looking for a Connecticut cigar with character, it’s an excellent choice.

8. Rocky Patel Vintage 1999 Connecticut

As is customary with Rocky Patel, little is divulged about the cigar’s blend. However, we do know that it features only tobacco that has been aged for at least 8 years.

The Vintage 1999 Connecticut is a wonderfully soothing experience that produces rich notes of toasted with hints of melted butter. Indeed, it’s a great option for beginners who are seeking to sample something approachable.

9. Drew Estate Undercrown Shade

Drew Estate’s Undercrown Shade is lush, creamy, and harmonious. Indeed, it’s a quintessential Connecticut cigar in that it’s light and mellow. Expect mild hints of hazelnut, cedar, a whiff of coffee, and a vanilla finish.

10. Camacho Connecticut

As part of Camacho’s Bold Everyday Smoke range, the Connecticut is verbose and robust. Therefore, it’s a great option if you prefer a Connecticut cigar with an extra kick.

Overall, we prefer the box-pressed version, which also includes American broadleaf in the filler. Consequently, we find that it offers a much richer experience with additional herbaceous and creamy notes.