Natural vs. Maduro: Love One, Hate the Other

[mgravito]

So, I just finished smoking and EP Carillo Cardinal maduro and I did not like it at all. In contrast I absolutely love the Natural. Personally one of the biggest contrasts I've had in one line of cigars.

That got me thinking: what cigars do you love the natural and hate the maduro and vice-versa?

 

[carholio]

I don't really care for natural and smoke mostly maduro. Overall, I find naturals to be a little too bland and lacking depth.

 

[MarkJr]

I don't really care for natural and smoke mostly maduro. Overall, I find naturals to be a little too bland and lacking depth.

It's funny you should say that, I feel the opposite. I unfortunately feel that many blenders and makers will throw the flavorful ct broadleaf, or San Andreas Maduro wrappers on sub par blends in order to cheaply throw some espresso or chocolate flavors in. Where as a natural wrapper forces you to examine the blend as a whole. Now don't get me wrong I LOVE a well balanced Maduro cigar. Case in point the epc le 2011 dark ritual is an incredibly balanced smoke. Also I prefer the Maduro pardons over the naturals. Just my two cents.

And I also agree that the natural cardinal is way better than the Maduro. Another great example for me is the epc core line natural vs the Maduro. I much prefer the natural there as well.

 

[tylernim]

All maduro wrappers are not created equally. I used to think I wasn't a fan of maduros. Then I had a Padron 64, La Duena, Liga 9 (oscuro)...

 

[MarkJr]

That is also a great point. I have found very mixed results with the Mexican San Andreas maduro wrapper. Some times it just doesn't suit me, and others like this year's Oliva V Maduro are outstanding.

 

[icehog3]

First example that comes to mind is the difference for me of Padron Anniversary cigars.

Love the Maduro 1964, not a fan of the Natural.

Love the Natural 1926, not a fan of the Maduro.

 

[HarleyMark13]

I generally go with Mad's because they fit my palette best. Their are exceptions of course like the LFD Air bender Nat' has more flavor than the Mad'.
I'll have to try the Olivia V Maduro most of the time I don't get any flavor out of the O's it's like sucking air.

 

[StocktonJohn]

Great thread... I sometimes think of a maduro wrapper as akin to a suppressor on a rifle... It can hold back nuisances in the blend and sort if flatten out the flavors. Sometimes though it is a great compliment.

The one that jumps to mind is the DP JJ. I love the maduro... The natural not so much.

As to the Jaime Garcia.... It's the opposite. I can't stand the maduro, but the Connecticut is amazing.

Another is the Ortega. Loved the maduro. It's very complex. The natural though was just harsh, and not good at all IMHO.

 

[UnBanded]

All maduro wrappers are not created equally. I used to think I wasn't a fan of maduros. Then I had a Padron 64, La Duena, Liga 9 (oscuro)...

Same here, also throw in Illusione cg:4 & MJ-12 and the ETB Redemption maduro.

 

[Craig Mac]

I got burned out on Maduros years ago but still have a few I like. Prefer most Padron in the Natural, but love the 85th Maduro.

The LGC Serie R is good in Maduro, but don't care for the Natural.

Feel the same as the previous comment about the Ortega, the Maduro is better to me.

Connecticut Boadleaf now.... I got a real weakness for that leaf. Damn if it don't make any blend better!

 

[aherzing]

Inch natural - good
Inch Maduro - not so good

(If you're into that sort of thing ;-) )

 

[StocktonJohn]

Connecticut Boadleaf now.... I got a real weakness for that leaf. Damn if it don't make any blend better!

Yup^^

 

[UnBanded]

All maduro wrappers are not created equally. I used to think I wasn't a fan of maduros. Then I had a Padron 64, La Duena, Liga 9 (oscuro)...

Same here, also throw in Illusione cg:4 & MJ-12 and the ETB Redemption maduro.

If you include oscuro wraps, then add the My Father Le Bijou to the list.

 

[CigarGavin]

Agree with the feeling of this thread I love padron 64/26 Maduros, Ortega D Maduros, and Oliva V Maduros; but overtime have liked there natural counterparts less and less.

 

[danthebugman]

I don't exclusively like maduros better than other wrappers, though I used to think the darker wrappers were better back in the day :grin:. Though in general I like the maduro wrapper better on the Padron x000. The Fed MF was good, but the Connie wrapped version is just splendid. Just depends on the cigar's blend whether or not a maduro or other wrapper compliments it better. Also individual tastes too.

Dan

 

[SDShark]

I absolutely love the maduro wrapper!

 

[gui_tarzan]

I prefer the Flor de Oliva and Lot 23 naturals over the maduro lines but in general I am a maduro fan.

 

[NCost]

There are very few Conn wrapped sticks that I enjoy. To me they become bitter in the last third and the firs third is bland. So I stay with the darkies 90% of the time.

 

[njstone]

I don't really care for natural and smoke mostly maduro. Overall, I find naturals to be a little too bland and lacking depth.

It's funny you should say that, I feel the opposite. I unfortunately feel that many blenders and makers will throw the flavorful ct broadleaf, or San Andreas Maduro wrappers on sub par blends in order to cheaply throw some espresso or chocolate flavors in. Where as a natural wrapper forces you to examine the blend as a whole. Now don't get me wrong I LOVE a well balanced Maduro cigar. Case in point the epc le 2011 dark ritual is an incredibly balanced smoke. Also I prefer the Maduro pardons over the naturals. Just my two cents.

I feel the same way. Love maduros, but a good natural is special.

 

[Dave]

Agree with Mark and Tyler. Whether I like the Mad has much to do with wrapper type. Very few blends make San Andres palatable to me. I do think that a well fermented wrapper can make up for a mediocre filler/binder combo. But, more and more, I only appreciate a darker maduro when the blend is a powerhouse to begin with and will be complemented by the maduro, not overwhelmed by it. Illusione is one where the strength of the blend cannot make up for my dislike of the San Andres. I'd smoke only CG4's forever if I had to. I won't do any more Illusione Maduros, however.