I could spend days describing the differences between Connecticut and maduro wrappers, but for the sake of length, I'll keep this explanation as simple as possible. The majority of a cigar's flavor derives from its wrapper, which is why wrapper selection is important. True Connecticut wrappers are grown in the Connecticut River Valley, U.S.A. Usually, these leaves are "shade grown" as shading effectively filters the sunlight, allowing for a thinner, more elastic leaf to form. After curing, these leaves turn a great looking light brown and feature little veins for a smooth appearance. Since less sun reaches these leaves, they contain less nutrients, which creates a mellow, cedar-like flavor that is subtle and non offensive. Macanudo, 5 Vegas Gold, and Cusano 18 Double Connecticut are great examples of blends utilizing this leaf. 

In regard to maduro, technically the term refers to the process a tobacco leaf is put through to create a certain color and flavor, rather than the actual term for the leaf itself. Maduro means "ripe" in Spanish and is used to describe the amount of extra time needed to properly ferment a leaf to create a dark appearance with a specific flavor profile. Usually, maduro wrappers are dark brown and oily in appearance. In order to create maduro, the leaves must undergo fermentation at high temperatures of 130 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. This process turns the leaves dark brown and allows them to expel a natural sweet flavor with a rich, earthy character many consider similar to cocoa or espresso. The longer each leaf is fermented, the darker, mellower, and more oily each will become. Rocky Patel Double Maduro, Montecristo Media Noche, and 5 Vegas Series 'A' are great examples featuring maduro wrappers. 

by Bryan