Sun Grown vs. Maduro: what are the differences?

As an experienced aficionado, you're no doubt aware that cigars are classified not only by module, but also by wrapper color. There are many different shades of wrapper, from Claro to Oscuro, Rosado and Colorado. Among the darker shades, it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish a Sun Grown cape from a Maduro cape. In this article, we explain the difference between these two types of cape, to help you make an informed choice.

What is a Sun Grown cape?

As its name suggests, a Sun Grown cape is a tobacco leaf grown in full sun. This name refers to a cultivation method and not to a particular wrapper color. It is used to distinguish shade-grown tobacco from that grown in the shade. tapados (shade-grown) tobacco exposed to direct sunlight.

Using Sun Grown sheets

Generally speaking, these tobaccos are used to form the filler of cigars. In Cuba, Sun Grown tobacco is never used for wrappers, as Cubans prefer the finesse of shade-grown leaves. Nevertheless, many manufacturers in the New World appreciate the aromatic richness that Sun Grown wrapper leaves give their cigars.

Sun Grown capes features

This cultivation method produces thicker, sturdier leaves due to the acceleration of photosynthesis. Exposure to direct sunlight increases the intensity of the light plants receive, which promotes more vigorous growth and a faster accumulation of nutrients in the leaves. It also stimulates the production of resins and natural oils, giving tobacco richer, more complex aromas. In general, Sun Grown capes are characterized by toasty notes of nutmeg, spice, cedar and coffee.

What is a Maduro cape?

Visit term "Maduro refers to a cape color. This is the shade just before theOscuro ranging from dark brown to almost black. Technically, Maduro capes are a subset of Sun Grown leaves, but their distinctive color is the result of a developed fermentation process.

How Maduro capes are made

Visit Maduro capes are typically grown in full sun and harvested at the top of the plants. This direct exposure to sunlight stimulates photosynthesis, which in turn ensures increased sugar concentration in the leaves. However, it is their fermentation process that determines their final aromatic profile.

This fermentation takes place after the leaves have dried and can last for up to a year. from 8 to 16 months for the most refined capes. The leaves are first gathered into bundles and covered with a fine cloth to ensure good air circulation. Thanks to the natural pressure exerted by the stacking of the leaves, they gradually release the residual moisture they contain, generating heat in the process. This process willaccto promote the degradation of micro-organisms in the leaves and promote the transformation of starches into sugars.

Once the temperature inside a bundle has reached around 50°C, the bundles are dismantled and then reconstituted by rearranging the order of the leaves. This is a long and meticulous process, requiring constant monitoring to ensure perfectly uniform tobacco fermentation. It also requires the use of heat-resistant tobacco varietieslike the Connecticut Broadleaf and San Andrés Negro.

Maduro capes features

The prolonged fermentation of Maduro capes helps give them their characteristic dark hue and their oily texture. It also fosters the development of a complex, balanced aromatic profilewith sweet, spicy notes of coffee, chocolate and pepper.

Contrary to popular belief, the dark color of these wrappers is not necessarily synonymous with strength. As with Sun Gown cigars, it's primarily the blend of tobaccos used to form the filler that determines the strength and intensity of the cigars. 

What are the main differences between a Sun Grown cape and a Maduro cape?

The main difference between a Sun Grown cape and a Maduro cape lies in their manufacturing process. While Sun Grown cape is characterized by its cultivation in full sun, Maduro cape stands out for its prolonged fermentation process.

In addition, these two types of cape are distinguished by their appearance and aromas. Sun Grown wrappers take on a reddish-brown hue, while Maduro wrappers come in shades ranging from dark brown to black. Finally, the aromas of Sun Grown tobacco are often earthy and spicy, while Maduro leaves are appreciated for their sweet, complex flavors.

Sun Grown vs. Maduro: Which to choose?

The best way to understand the differences between the Sun Grown and Maduro capes is to try them out. According to Nick Perdomoowner of Tabacalera Perdomo, ". the wrapper accounts for between 10% and 12% of a cigar's taste characteristics, whereas it represents only 1% of its circumference ". It therefore has a significant influence on tasting.

To allow enthusiasts to appreciate the nuances of each type of cape, many manufacturers choose to their ranges with capes NaturalSun Grown and Maduro. In general, the Sun Grown cigars suitable for smokers in search of rich, full-bodied aromas while the Maduro cigars will be ideal for those who appreciate smooth, complex cigars.

To help you discover the nuances between these two types of cape, we have selected for you the best cigars with Sun Grown and Maduro wrappers :

Perdomo Reserve 10th Anniversary Maduro BP Robusto (25)

Perdomo Reserve 10th Anniversary Sun Grown BP Robusto (25)

These cigars are made from Nicaraguan tobaccos aged for six years. Medium to full-bodied, they are characterized by earthy, spicy notes.

Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story (15)

Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story Maduro (25)

Despite its compact size, this cigar takes around 40 minutes to taste. It offers a complex, harmonious profile revolving around notes of leather, cedar and spices. While the Short Story Maduro delivers delicate aromas, the Sun Grown version is more robust with full strength.

Undercrown Sun Grown Flying Pig (12)

Undercrown Maduro Flying Pig (12)

Signed Drew EstateThese robust, powerful cigars bear witness to the richness of Nicaragua's terroir. While the Maduro version reveals a smooth smoke with chocolate accents, SG version emphasizes earthy, spicy notes.

Ashton Aged Maduro No. 20

Ashton VSG Robusto 

Made from Dominican tobaccos, these cigars combine finesse and balance for the most refined of tastings. While the Ecuador Sungrown wrapper fromAshton VSG gives it bold aromas of spice, leather and earth, the Connecticut Broadleaf cape from theAshton Aged Maduro offers a rich, nuanced flavour, where the sweetness of cocoa blends with subtle spicy notes.

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