Oscuro Vs Maduro

[systm]

From what I was told at one of my early visits to a local B&M, is that Maduro is a newer way, quicker of producing a darker wrapper/leaf and a Oscuro is an older, longer method.. How accurate is this?

[spectrrr]

from my extraordinarily limited knowledge, I believe Oscuro is simply a wrapper considered to be much darker than Maduro (more like a charred hot dog left in the coals).

Maduro = Dark
Oscuro = Black'ish

a side note, "double maduro" is generally classified as a cigar with both a maduro wrapper AND a maduro binder and thus has nothing to do with color.

I THINK I didnt mangle that too much.... someone who actually knows want to jump in?

[GreekGodX]

From what I understand this is not true. Both are going to require longer time in the sun and Oscuro would require more time since it is darker. If you look at the definition of the word Maduro it means "ripe". The definition of Oscuro is "dark". Taking those definitions into account, a maduro wrapper would be a leaf aged in the sun longer and is used once it is at its peak readiness. A oscuro wrapper would be a leaf aged until it is as dark as it can be and still hold the attributes of a quality cigar leaf.

[GreekGodX]

Francis you are spot on with the double maduro

[RevSmoke]

Maduro (usually) has to do with the fermenting of the wrapper leaf - and actually takes longer. Oscuro (usually) has to do with the fact that they come from the leaves that grow at the top of the plant and usually have a dark color, which may or may not have gone through the maduro processing.

While often stated, the companies that label their cigars double maduro, or maduro maduro, actually refer to the one wrapper - not that it comes with 2 maduro wrappers. CAO did do that though and they call theirs the MX2.

Here is the meaty part of an article by Lew Rothman that may help. (you can go to read the whole article here http://www.jrcigars.com/index.cfm?page=jrcu_maduro)
Now here is where things get a little confusing: The term "Maduro" can be used to describe solely the color of a wrapper, or it can be used to actually refer to the process of creating a Maduro wrapper leaf. In short, a cigar can be Maduro in color, but not actually a Maduro wrapper and vice versa, while a wrapper can be fermented using the methods that create natural Maduro wrappers, but the resulting color may be on the lighter end of the Maduro color spectrum.

Traditional hand-worked Maduro wrappers are the result of two separate processes. The first is utilizing leaves selected from the top 2/3 of the plant. The additional sun ripening provides the sweetness associated with Maduro wrappers. This is due to photosynthesis creating added sugar in the leaves. Also, the heavier oils for which Maduro wrappers are noted are the result of the plant's natural defenses; the leaf creates additional oils trying to protect itself from the sun's glare. Whether the leaf will become a mild- or a full-flavored Maduro wrapper is generally determined by where on the plant the leaf was selected. The leaves at the top of the plant produce full-flavored wrappers, whereas the middle leaves produce a milder wrapper.

In addition to extra sun ripening, Maduro wrapper leaves are fermented longer and at a higher temperature. Natural wrappers will be fermented to between 100 and120 degrees for most varieties, while Maduro wrappers are fermented at higher temperatures, sometimes as high as ~150 degrees before being cased and turned. This extended high temperature fermentation turns the leaves the dark brown Maduro color. The longer the fermentation period, the darker the color, and the milder the wrappers will become. Also, only certain tobacco varietals' leaves can be used to create naturally fermented Maduro wrappers, as the tobacco must have sufficient body to withstand the higher fermentation temperature and lengthened bulk durations. Connecticut Broadleaf, Habana 2000, and Mexican Sumatran are the two strains most commonly used in the creation of Maduro wrapper leaf.

In the past, some manufacturers have been known to add weight atop of the pilones, thereby pressing the leaf tighter, which increases the internal temperature of the fermentation process. This is referred to as "press fermentation." Some factories also break apart the bulks, and allow the leaves additional time exposed in the sun between fermentation cycles. There are a variety of other techniques utilized to refine this time-honored process, but many remain closely held secrets by the tobacco men who work this dark leaf. Here it seems appropriate to mention master expatriate Cuban-cigar-maker Estelo Padron. In addition to being the master blender and cigar maker for the Villazon (HATSA) factory in Honduras, he is also widely regarded by his peers and cigar smokers as the master of sweating Maduro wrapper leaf. Cigars featuring his dark, rich wrappers are the epitome of the Maduro- cigar smoking experience.

Now it is time to introduce two other methods implemented to create Maduro wrappers. The first is "cooking," which more accurately described is actually steaming. In this process, the leaves are placed within a steam chamber for a period of 60-120 minutes and steamed at 180+ degrees Fahrenheit. The result is a very dark wrapper that is very consistent in color. Some hold in contempt this method, but actually this is the method that is most commonly used to create the wrappers used on most of the milder Maduro cigars. Although this is a much simpler and shorter process, the maker has to be vigilant, as it is possible to overcook the leaf resulting in a dull, flat-tasting wrapper with a silvery, gray appearance. The other alternative method is dying the leaves the desired dark brown color. This is done in a variety of ways - from sluices, vats, to even a machine that is snidely referred to as the "Madu-O-Matic" by those in the trade. This machine can "create" Maduro wrappers at a blazing pace and, typically, makers will add sugar to the molasses-like dye to sweeten the flavor of the leaf. This process is considered "cheating" by many in the industry, and is held in low regard by many traditional tobacco men. As a consumer, it is easy to detect whether your Maduro cigar is a faux, because most dyed Maduro cigars will actually leave a slight brown stain right on lip of the smoker.

[CigarNut]

Thank you for this - I learned something new today, so now I can go home! (been at work for an hour already)

[BryanB]

Oscuro wrappers are usually a higher priming than maduro.

[Snake Hips]

Originally Posted by BryanB

Oscuro wrappers are usually a higher priming than maduro.

Maduro can technically be any priming; maduro is a process, oscuro is a very high priming.

[systm]

Thank you guys for the info