Wrappers A-Z: Sumatra

Sumatra – this is where it gets complicated for me. Sumatra is a sub-species of “Black Tobacco”, the tobacco used in cigars. But there are several different types of wrapper leaf grown in Indonesia/Java/Sumatra and depending on manufacturer, the description “Sumatra” may mean a Sumatra leaf or it may mean a wrapper from the Sumatra region (TBN, Connecticut Shade, VBN, etc.).

That said I dislike a lot of cigars that uses “this” wrapper. The bad ones I find sour and cloying and the bad taste coats the tongue and makes it hard to try another cigar. This can make a great cigar or a horrible one. This seems to be the more abundant wrapper leaves on the market.

Versions

• Cameroon – see Cameroon section.
• Dark Sumatran – sun grown version, used in the Hoyo de Monterrey Dark Sumatra.
• Dominican –this is probably my favorite I guess. It has a bit more earthiness and a touch more spice than the rest. Check it out in the LG Diez Small Batch No. 2.
• Ecuadorian – more popular than its other cousins, the Ecuadorian version can be darker, oilier and spicier. The best example of this is the La Flor Dominicana Ligero Cabinet Oscuro. Also try the non-Cuban Punch line (Uppercut, Champion…), the Rocky Patel Decade or Cubao cigars.
• Indonesian.
• Nicaraguan – found in the La Reloba Sumatra or La Flor de Oliva.
• TBN – see section Besuki TBN.