San Andrés

San Andrés is Mexico's wrapper leaf, from a single valley in Veracruz. It's one of the two most common sources of dark maduro wrapper.

What it is

The San Andrés Valley lies on the Gulf of Mexico side of the country. The soil is dense and volcanic, and the air is very humid. Cuban grower Alberto Turrent moved there in 1880 with Cuban seed, and the family's Te-Amo is probably the best-known Mexican cigar.

The main variety is San Andrés Negro. It's stalk cut: the whole plant is cut, left to wilt, then hung upside down in the curing barn, which gives an earthier leaf than picking leaves one by one. Negro makes a classic maduro wrapper, and San Andrés also works as a binder.

What it tastes like

San Andrés maduro is very dark brown to nearly black. Expect earth, spice, cocoa and coffee with some sweetness.

It's strong enough to overpower a mellow blend, so it usually goes on bold ones.

Cigars to know

Oliva Serie V Melanio Maduro and Drew Estate's Undercrown Maduro both use Mexican San Andrés wrappers. La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor is another well-known example.