Candela Thread

90+ Irishman

So with the AB Filthy Hooligan being reviewed and highly talked about lately, the conversation took a obvious focus on candela wrappers and the characteristics of them. As I said in Robby's thread, the process of creating candela wrapper is incredibly hard on them and often times makes for a cigar that is very delicate and more prone to construction issues. It is also true in THEORY to make a candela out if any strain of tobacco but in practice only shade grown is really used. The taste you get is Mai ly from the strain and fermentation still so even though it looks young and green that doesn't affect taste hardly at all and therefor can vary just as dramatically as any other "normal" wrapper. The process of getting a candela wrapper is all in the curing stage and is extremely high heat. There is a terrific article from CA that details this well and can be found here:

http://www.cigaraficionado.com/webfeatures/show/id/Its-Not-Easy-Being-Green_8220/p/1

Hope this helps some of y'all that were curious about this and wanted more info and explains a few of the finer points as well! Enjiy brothers and sisters and as always long ashes my friends!

Gray4lines

Awesome info. I have been curious about candelas, and have never really tried any. I have one from Tampa I will post notes on soon, mind if I do it here?

90+ Irishman

Not at all Gray, thanks man! I tried a HTF Fuente last fall in the Flor Fina 8-5-8 Candela... Phenomenal smoke at least for me. Never seen them since anywhere I look, but if you come across them trust me and pick em up.

xmacro

PM to ya, Irishman

90+ Irishman

xmacro:

PM to ya, Irishman

Replied and most importantly congrats on 3400 posts next post!!!!!

xmacro

Yeesh, 3,400 posts and 3 years later and I'm still a stupid newbie when it comes to cigars. Some things never change

90+ Irishman

xmacro:

Yeesh, 3,400 posts and 3 years later and I'm still a stupid newbie when it comes to cigars. Some things never change

We are all newbs in some way brother trust me ya never stop learning and anyone who says they know everything needs to be checked to make sure they aren't made up entirely of cow manure.

Rhamlin

Never tried a condela. I just can't get past that color. Yuch!

kuzi16

90+ Irishman:

xmacro:

Yeesh, 3,400 posts and 3 years later and I'm still a stupid newbie when it comes to cigars. Some things never change

We are all newbs in some way brother trust me ya never stop learning and anyone who says they know everything needs to be checked to make sure they aren't made up entirely of cow manure.

agreed. im a perpetual new guy.

Rhamlin:

Never tried a condela. I just can't get past that color. Yuch!

the LFD double Claro is good. so is the Camacho Canbdela. dont be shy. they wont hurt you.

curtpick

Good reading ! THX !

Ken Light

Anyone know if brands dye candelas like they do maduros? I'd hate to look like I'd just bl0wn Kermit the Frog, lol

90+ Irishman

Ken Light:

Anyone know if brands dye candelas like they do maduros? I'd hate to look like I'd just bl0wn Kermit the Frog, lol

No these are not dyed at all which is why all candela wrappers are inconsistent in appearance. What makes them green is the chlorophyl that is locked permanently into the leaf during the curing process by nearly baking the cigar in a humid inferno in the curing barn that by the end dries to leaf so much its like 100 year old paper that would just disintegrate. They actually have to slowly dehumidify the leaves before they can take them down from the barm and mince them and then they are kept refrigerated and away from light and water all of which can change the appearance of the leaf. Hope that answers time question Ken

Ken Light

90+ Irishman:

Ken Light:

Anyone know if brands dye candelas like they do maduros? I'd hate to look like I'd just bl0wn Kermit the Frog, lol

No these are not dyed at all which is why all candela wrappers are inconsistent in appearance. What makes them green is the chlorophyl that is locked permanently into the leaf during the curing process by nearly baking the cigar in a humid inferno in the curing barn that by the end dries to leaf so much its like 100 year old paper that would just disintegrate. They actually have to slowly dehumidify the leaves before they can take them down from the barm and mince them and then they are kept refrigerated and away from light and water all of which can change the appearance of the leaf. Hope that answers time question Ken

Really interesting process! But still...I mean, maduro's aren't supposed to be dyed, it should be the process there as well...anyone ever have green fingers?

I'm really just curious, the end of the post was just a joke (I know you understand that, but just to clarify for others). I smoked one candella in a corona size, I can't remember if it was LG or LFD, and it was great, I've been meaning to expand my horizons.

Edit: I should add that part of the reason for this question was that I saw a box of the AB Filthy Hooligan and they looked remarkably green and consistent, which made me wonder about dye.

90+ Irishman

Ken Light:

90+ Irishman:

Ken Light:

Anyone know if brands dye candelas like they do maduros? I'd hate to look like I'd just bl0wn Kermit the Frog, lol

No these are not dyed at all which is why all candela wrappers are inconsistent in appearance. What makes them green is the chlorophyl that is locked permanently into the leaf during the curing process by nearly baking the cigar in a humid inferno in the curing barn that by the end dries to leaf so much its like 100 year old paper that would just disintegrate. They actually have to slowly dehumidify the leaves before they can take them down from the barm and mince them and then they are kept refrigerated and away from light and water all of which can change the appearance of the leaf. Hope that answers time question Ken

Really interesting process! But still...I mean, maduro's aren't supposed to be dyed, it should be the process there as well...anyone ever have green fingers?

I'm really just curious, the end of the post was just a joke (I know you understand that, but just to clarify for others). I smoked one candella in a corona size, I can't remember if it was LG or LFD, and it was great, I've been meaning to expand my horizons.

Edit: I should add that part of the reason for this question was that I saw a box of the AB Filthy Hooligan and they looked remarkably green and consistent, which made me wonder about dye.

Totally get it Ken and actually laughed my azz off at the Kermit comment As for the dying I can't say 110% but water or liquid would alter the appearance of the wrapper so I guess it's possible but would be even more difficult with candela based on the process and attributes. Great point and counterpoint though Ken, really missed our conversations brother!!

jgibv

Was just talking with Shizza about candelas the other day.
Thanks for the article, Irish --- interesting stuff. Never knew much about them...

Pretty sure I had the AF 858 candela a while back --- if my memory serves me correct it was by no means a bad stick, just wasn't my "cup of tea" at the time.
Definitely need to give them another shot, will be on the lookout next time I'm at the B&M. Will have to grab a couple.

90+ Irishman

jgibv:

Was just talking with Shizza about candelas the other day.
Thanks for the article, Irish --- interesting stuff. Never knew much about them...

Pretty sure I had the AF 858 candela a while back --- if my memory serves me correct it was by no means a bad stick, just wasn't my "cup of tea" at the time.
Definitely need to give them another shot, will be on the lookout next time I'm at the B&M. Will have to grab a couple.

Nothing to thank John Preciate the kind words and glad you enjoyed the article and info... I love candelas but when the time is right, certainly don't want them daily but they do rock when its right

Bigshizza

90+ Irishman:

jgibv:

Was just talking with Shizza about candelas the other day.
Thanks for the article, Irish --- interesting stuff. Never knew much about them...

Pretty sure I had the AF 858 candela a while back --- if my memory serves me correct it was by no means a bad stick, just wasn't my "cup of tea" at the time.
Definitely need to give them another shot, will be on the lookout next time I'm at the B&M. Will have to grab a couple.

Nothing to thank John Preciate the kind words and glad you enjoyed the article and info... I love candelas but when the time is right, certainly don't want them daily but they do rock when its right

Johnny needs a couple of candelas? Done Sir....

jgibv

Bigshizza:

90+ Irishman:

jgibv:

Was just talking with Shizza about candelas the other day.
Thanks for the article, Irish --- interesting stuff. Never knew much about them...

Pretty sure I had the AF 858 candela a while back --- if my memory serves me correct it was by no means a bad stick, just wasn't my "cup of tea" at the time.
Definitely need to give them another shot, will be on the lookout next time I'm at the B&M. Will have to grab a couple.

Nothing to thank John Preciate the kind words and glad you enjoyed the article and info... I love candelas but when the time is right, certainly don't want them daily but they do rock when its right

Johnny needs a couple of candelas? Done Sir....

JIMBO !!! Shut your pie hole. STOP!

We already talked about this ... you better not, because you've sent me way too much lately as is.
NO MORE !

90+ Irishman

jgibv:

Bigshizza:

90+ Irishman:

jgibv:

Was just talking with Shizza about candelas the other day.
Thanks for the article, Irish --- interesting stuff. Never knew much about them...

Pretty sure I had the AF 858 candela a while back --- if my memory serves me correct it was by no means a bad stick, just wasn't my "cup of tea" at the time.
Definitely need to give them another shot, will be on the lookout next time I'm at the B&M. Will have to grab a couple.

Nothing to thank John Preciate the kind words and glad you enjoyed the article and info... I love candelas but when the time is right, certainly don't want them daily but they do rock when its right

Johnny needs a couple of candelas? Done Sir....

JIMBO !!! Shut your pie hole. STOP!

We already talked about this ... you better not, because you've sent me way too much lately as is.
NO MORE !

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! Get em Jim!!!

jgibv

90+ Irishman:

jgibv:

Bigshizza:

90+ Irishman:

jgibv:

Was just talking with Shizza about candelas the other day.
Thanks for the article, Irish --- interesting stuff. Never knew much about them...

Pretty sure I had the AF 858 candela a while back --- if my memory serves me correct it was by no means a bad stick, just wasn't my "cup of tea" at the time.
Definitely need to give them another shot, will be on the lookout next time I'm at the B&M. Will have to grab a couple.

Nothing to thank John Preciate the kind words and glad you enjoyed the article and info... I love candelas but when the time is right, certainly don't want them daily but they do rock when its right

Johnny needs a couple of candelas? Done Sir....

JIMBO !!! Shut your pie hole. STOP!

We already talked about this ... you better not, because you've sent me way too much lately as is.
NO MORE !

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! Get em Jim!!!

Brett, go relax and smoke a stogie.....
Stop encouraging Jim

Wife's going to notice how full my humi's getting and I'll get in trouble. NO MORE JIM !!!

Bigshizza

jgibv:

90+ Irishman:

jgibv:

Bigshizza:

90+ Irishman:

jgibv:

Was just talking with Shizza about candelas the other day.
Thanks for the article, Irish --- interesting stuff. Never knew much about them...

Pretty sure I had the AF 858 candela a while back --- if my memory serves me correct it was by no means a bad stick, just wasn't my "cup of tea" at the time.
Definitely need to give them another shot, will be on the lookout next time I'm at the B&M. Will have to grab a couple.

Nothing to thank John Preciate the kind words and glad you enjoyed the article and info... I love candelas but when the time is right, certainly don't want them daily but they do rock when its right

Johnny needs a couple of candelas? Done Sir....

JIMBO !!! Shut your pie hole. STOP!

We already talked about this ... you better not, because you've sent me way too much lately as is.
NO MORE !

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! Get em Jim!!!

Brett, go relax and smoke a stogie.....
Stop encouraging Jim

Wife's going to notice how full my humi's getting and I'll get in trouble. NO MORE JIM !!!

Tell her..... I'm sorry......Bwahahahaha

jgibv

Bigshizza:

jgibv:

90+ Irishman:

jgibv:

Bigshizza:

90+ Irishman:

jgibv:

Was just talking with Shizza about candelas the other day.
Thanks for the article, Irish --- interesting stuff. Never knew much about them...

Pretty sure I had the AF 858 candela a while back --- if my memory serves me correct it was by no means a bad stick, just wasn't my "cup of tea" at the time.
Definitely need to give them another shot, will be on the lookout next time I'm at the B&M. Will have to grab a couple.

Nothing to thank John Preciate the kind words and glad you enjoyed the article and info... I love candelas but when the time is right, certainly don't want them daily but they do rock when its right

Johnny needs a couple of candelas? Done Sir....

JIMBO !!! Shut your pie hole. STOP!

We already talked about this ... you better not, because you've sent me way too much lately as is.
NO MORE !

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! Get em Jim!!!

Brett, go relax and smoke a stogie.....
Stop encouraging Jim

Wife's going to notice how full my humi's getting and I'll get in trouble. NO MORE JIM !!!

Tell her..... I'm sorry......Bwahahahaha

Damn it JIM!!!!

....actually, that's a pretty good idea. I'm gonna start blaming all my cigars on you....now that's smart.


PS ---- Sorry for going TJK3 on your thread, Irish

Toombes

Thanks for the info, Brett! It really explained a lot of the mystique and technique used in producing a good candela. I recently smoked the Hooligan and it was extremely fragile and now I understand why. On the other hand, the Viaje Shamrock's and Illusione candelas I've had in the past seemed to have a much tougher(if you will..)wrapper. I would imagine there are several factors related to growing climate, soil conditions and chemical composition, harvesting and storage involved as well.

Bigshizza

O.k. I'm sending John the AB, AF and LFD Candelas so that we can compare and contrast with others..

reggie713

Toombes:

Thanks for the info, Brett! It really explained a lot of the mystique and technique used in producing a good candela. I recently smoked the Hooligan and it was extremely fragile and now I understand why. On the other hand, the Viaje Shamrock's and Illusione candelas I've had in the past seemed to have a much tougher(if you will..)wrapper. I would imagine there are several factors related to growing climate, soil conditions and chemical composition, harvesting and storage involved as well.

what he said^^, i smoked a filthy hooligan last night, i knew they had a fragile wrapper, but mine was fine up until the last 2 inches, then the wrapper just started flakin off. i still nubbed it.
only my second candela, but this was a tasty stick.

Amos Umwhat

Interesting thread. It's been a looo...oong time since I smoked a candela, I looked seriously at the DD on them the other day, I remember them as being overly bitter, but my taste may have changed over a few decades. Anyway, I'd always wondered how they kept them so green as that, and, apparently like others had thought it was by somehow skipping part of the maturation process, or by dyeing.

webmost

I hit a hooligan last night. Started out grassy as grass can grass. Mellowed out after a bit; but still refreshingly green. I prefer the Black Market with the blackwashed wrapper, rather than this candela wrapper. But nothing against the green wrap. I used to get a Factory Throwout with a green candela wrapper that I thought the filler went better with the green wrapper; but I would have to revisit that to be sure. Gonna drop by the local smaller B&M and see if they have anything green at all there. If not, the bigger one will -- but I rarely get that far.

The best thing, I think, about the candela, is the marvellous stink finger it leaves. I was sniffling my digits like a madman last night. Very tasty.

Jasonc1982

Can't stand Candela. It tastes like moldy grass. I've tried a few and couldn't even make it halfway. Just not my cup of tea.

90+ Irishman

We all have different likes and dislikes, that's what makes the hobby amazing IMHO.

madurofan

Thanks Irish, I know I kinda intiated this and I appreciate your follow through. I'm always looking to learn anythign I can about cigars and you stepped up and provided more.

My local shop pretty much always has the 8-5-8 candela in stock if you're ever looking ... the 8-5-8 line in general does very well for him.

Side note the 8-5-8 maduro was my first real cigar, hang on while I wipe away the tear ...

mmccartneydc

Well the Viaje Shamrock that you sent me Brett, was my first candela and I absolutely loved it. I am really rough on wrappers bc I chew them while I smoke. This thing held up great and the flavor was nothing like what I expected. I was expecting a lot of grass and straw flavors but I actually thought I got lavender and rosemary out of it. I am no expert on picking out flavors by any stretch, but this was something totally new to me. Thank you sooooo much for giving me that opportunity Bro!!!!