What is Criollo Wrapper?
Posted on June 03 2025
Quick Summary
- Criollo is a Cuban-seed tobacco noted for its reddish-brown color, medium body, and balanced spice-plus-sweetness profile.
- Traditional Criollo was Cuba’s primary wrapper before Corojo; modern crops thrive in Nicaragua (Jalapa) and Honduras (Jamastrán).
- Flavor notes: sweet cedar, cocoa, light pepper, and subtle citrus; generally milder than Corojo yet richer than Connecticut Shade.
- Criollo ’98 — a Cuban hybrid bred for blue-mold resistance — is today’s most widespread variant.
- Compared with Corojo it is less peppery; compared with Habano it is sweeter and woodier.
What is Criollo wrapper?
“Criollo” (cree-OH-yo) translates to “native,” reflecting its original status as Cuba’s go-to tobacco before newer hybrids like Corojo emerged. Today, Honduran and Nicaraguan farmers grow Criollo under open sun, producing a medium-thick, reddish-brown wrapper prized for its balance of gentle spice and natural sweetness.
Criollo lineage and modern hybrids
| Varietal | Developed | Main Traits |
|---|---|---|
| Original Cuban Criollo | Pre-1940s | Sweet cedar, light pepper; mold-prone |
| Criollo ’98 | 1998 | Blue-mold resistance, higher yield, balanced spice |
| Nicaraguan Jalapa Criollo | 2000s | Cocoa nuance, smooth sweetness, medium strength |
Flavor and smoking experience
Criollo delivers a medium body with flavors of sweet cedar, cocoa, gentle pepper, and a touch of citrus zest. The wrapper’s moderate oil content promotes an even burn and a firm, light-gray ash.
Criollo vs other common wrappers
- Corojo: Spicier and darker than Criollo, with more red-pepper bite.
- Habano: Earthier and pepperier; Criollo leans sweeter and woodier.
- Connecticut Shade: Far milder and lighter in color compared with Criollo’s medium, reddish hue.
Explore more wrappers in our Tobacco Encyclopedia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Criollo always medium strength?
Most Criollo wrappers sit in the medium range, but overall strength depends on the cigar’s filler blend.
What cigars use Criollo wrappers?
Camacho Criollo, Drew Estate's Liga Privada Aniversario, and Vicente Blends Sleek Gold showcase Criollo wrappers.
Is Criollo ’98 the same as Criollo ’99?
No. Criollo ’98 is a blue-mold-resistant hybrid; Criollo ’99 is a separate cross used primarily as binder and filler in some blends.
Does Criollo burn evenly?
Its moderate thickness helps combustion, but occasional touch-ups may be needed if the cigar rests too long between puffs.
Ideal beverage pairings?
Medium-roast coffee, rye whiskey, or golden rum complement Criollo’s cedar-cocoa balance.