Anybody ever seen a specific theory about the blending distinctions among the main CC brands? I know there's great secrecy over the precise mix of leaves. But I'm surprised I've still never come across anything that suggests why, say, an MC tastes so different than a Cohiba or either of them from any R&J.
Is it the amount of ligero used or the quantity of another type of leaf? Obviously the simple answer is yes, but there seems such a similarity in strengths as to mitigate the impact of the former, and how the latter would result in such distinctly different flavor profile just amazes me. I haven't mentioned growing regions, as the best brands all use the same. But perhaps something in the fermentation process (leaving Trinidad and maduro quirks aside) also goes toward explaining these taste distinctions?

There are many factors involved. First priming , Seco, Olor, Ligero, Sungrown, Shadegrown and aging.

When a master blender comes up with a blend he uses various tobaccos from various farms and then has to hope he can continue to obtain the same tobacco.

There probably are a limited number of blends that can be made from tobacco from only one small island, but so far they have been able to vary the blends enough to make each brand pretty distinct from one another.

Interesting question. Good answer.

quote:

Originally posted by SamuraiJack:
Interesting question. Good answer.

I'd love to see some more responses on this question. It seems counterintuitive that such a small island with very similar rollers can produce such different cigars.

There processes are held in the strictest confidence i mean they could tell you but then they would have to kill you.

I'm sure the different soil profiles from farm to farm have a hand as well. Some more acidic than others.

quote:

Originally posted by Jiggedy Jared:
I'd love to see some more responses on this question. It seems counterintuitive that such a small island with very similar rollers can produce such different cigars.

Here's a simple example:

1) There are 6 different sections of the tobacco plant; the corona, centro gordo, etc.

2) Let's say there are only 2 different growing regions that produce tobacco leaves with different flavors from each other

3) Let's say you roll a cigar with only 3 leaves

Do you know how many different combinations you can make? 1728.

Now change the 2 growing regions to 3 growing regions and you get 5832 different combinations.