Monday
Member
I've recently been given the chance to procure some Nicaraguan CT shade wrapper, Candela, as well as Cameroon. The problem is, I don't know what to blend them with. Any incite would be appreciated.
What to blend with Nicaraguan CT Shade, Candela, & Cameroon
- Thread starter Monday
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Monday
Member
Dominican Criollo, Olor, & Piloto, Estili Habano Viso, Jalapa viso, & Ecuador Habano 2000 Viso
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When I started putting together blends, I started with equal parts Ligero, Viso, and Seco. Once I started understanding each leaf more (how it burned, flavors, aroma, size of leaf, ease to work with, how much to case it up or down, etc.) then I tweaked blends from there. Understanding how each leaf & leaf type helps as well. Also, each person has different tastes, aroma, types of vitolas they prefer.
What I would start with based upon the leaf you have, I’d try this:
Wrapper: Nicaraguan CT or Cameroon (or perhaps bind up multiple sticks and try each wrapper with each blend)
Binder: Nicaraguan CT, Cameroon, Criollo, Olor, Esteli, or Jalapa. I’d just want to make sure the leaf is big enough to wrap the filler blend with. However, if the leaf isn’t big enough, you could always use 2 leaf. They could be the same or different.
Filler: I’d start with the 3 different Dominican varieties, or the 2 different Nicaraguan types. From there, perhaps use a 1/2 leaf of the Habano 2000 in a few to try the different nuances to it.
Another way to get an idea of what to blend. Lots of people roll “Puros or Puritos” to start. Basically taking a half leaf or sections of 1/2 leaf and rolling small cigars out of just that leaf. From there you can test out they each burn, taste, aromas from each singular type. Then go from there.
Lots of different combinations and options you can come up with, with the leaf you have. Always a great idea to roll up a couple and try em before making a lot of a certain blend. Sometimes they conceptually sound great, but come out being kind so so. Also, keep in mind that one’s that you try right away may taste different with time. My “rule of thumb” is try right away, in 2 weeks, in 2 months, in 2 years.
Hopefully this helps!
What I would start with based upon the leaf you have, I’d try this:
Wrapper: Nicaraguan CT or Cameroon (or perhaps bind up multiple sticks and try each wrapper with each blend)
Binder: Nicaraguan CT, Cameroon, Criollo, Olor, Esteli, or Jalapa. I’d just want to make sure the leaf is big enough to wrap the filler blend with. However, if the leaf isn’t big enough, you could always use 2 leaf. They could be the same or different.
Filler: I’d start with the 3 different Dominican varieties, or the 2 different Nicaraguan types. From there, perhaps use a 1/2 leaf of the Habano 2000 in a few to try the different nuances to it.
Another way to get an idea of what to blend. Lots of people roll “Puros or Puritos” to start. Basically taking a half leaf or sections of 1/2 leaf and rolling small cigars out of just that leaf. From there you can test out they each burn, taste, aromas from each singular type. Then go from there.
Lots of different combinations and options you can come up with, with the leaf you have. Always a great idea to roll up a couple and try em before making a lot of a certain blend. Sometimes they conceptually sound great, but come out being kind so so. Also, keep in mind that one’s that you try right away may taste different with time. My “rule of thumb” is try right away, in 2 weeks, in 2 months, in 2 years.
Hopefully this helps!
Monday
Member
Your thoughts are appreciated and I'll keep them in mind before I decide to procure.
What are your thoughts on the Candela?
What are your thoughts on the Candela?
Just a handy tip. I would also recommend sorting your filler leaf and pulling out leaves or half leaves that are clean enough to make binder or wrapper. Opens up your options and filler grade costs less than wrapper grade.
This 100% sometimes a lot of binders & wrappers can be found in “filler leaf” bags
Candela imho can be good or bad with some blends. Adds a unique aroma and has a decent burnability to it. I like the color of it and like to use it with barber poles. So far, I’ve found it works better in light-medium nicotine strength type blends where the binder & filler don’t overpower the flavors of the Candela wrapper. It allows the Candela wrapper “marry” better where you can depict the flavors & aroma more. I personally wouldn’t use it in a full strength nicotine blend. Where for say you have a blend that’s Viso & Ligero heavy. Blends like that to me just overpowers the Candela wrapper.
Then again, I’d say try it! You never know and you may find that you like it better with a heavier nicotine content blend.
Looking over your leaf again had me ponder for a little bit since my first response. I’d prob try this out for a first blend:
Wrapper: Nicaraguan CT
Binder: Dominican Olor ( I personally have a few blends with Olor binders and they provide good flavors to a blend without overpowering it)
Filler: Equal parts Criollo, Esteli, Jalapa leaf. In a couple cigars. Then add a 1/2 leaf of Habano 2000 in a couple more.
Wrapper: Nicaraguan CT
Binder: Dominican Olor ( I personally have a few blends with Olor binders and they provide good flavors to a blend without overpowering it)
Filler: Equal parts Criollo, Esteli, Jalapa leaf. In a couple cigars. Then add a 1/2 leaf of Habano 2000 in a couple more.
Monday
Member
Let me think about this and I'll get back to you. I like where you're going and an interested in fleshing it out more.
Monday
Member
This is what I came up with based on your suggestions. I figured I would rolled 3 of each prototype (panatela) and let them age for a week. They're all on the mild to mild medium side of things as I can always adjust the strength/ gauge later.
Still working with the Candela and on a prototype with a Jalapa/ Criollo base.
Nicaraguan CT Shade Wrapper
Bezuki Binder
Dominican Olor Seco
Dominican Olor Ligero
Cameroon Wrapper
Sumatra Seco Double- Binder
Dominican Olor Seco
Nicaraguan, Esteli Habano Viso
Ecuador Los Rios Wrapper
Dominican Piloto Binder
Dominican Olor Seco
Dominican Olor Viso
Nicaraguan CT Shade Wrapper
Dominican Piloto Binder
Dominican Criollo Seco
Nicaraguan, Estelí Habano Viso
Indonesian Bezuki Wrapper
Dominican Piloto Binder
Dominican Olor Seco
Nicaraguan, Estelí Habano Viso
Nicaragua CT Shade Wrapper
Cameroon Binder
Dominican Criollo 98 Seco
Nicaragua, Estelí Habano Viso
Nice combos! Sounds like some tasty blends there!
Monday
Member
I'm gonna find out this weekend how good they are! Your insight was appreciated!
Monday
Member
Top L-R top Blends 1-3 aboveTake some pics & let us know how they are!
Bottom L-R blends 4-6
I'll see how they taste over 7, 30, & 90-days.
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My advice - start in a simple manner. Make puritos of each leaf and get comfortable with the individual flavors. Once you have an idea what you're working with, pair leaves together, roll a cigar, and smoke it. It takes time to find the best pairings - once you have a few that work, then toss in a third leaf and repeat the process. Slow and steady work creates the best blends - and taste is individual...
