In the world of premium cigars, wrapper leaves are more than just the outer layer—they set the tone for the entire smoking experience. Among the most unique and visually striking is the Candela wrapper, known for its signature green hue and refreshingly mild character. Once a dominant force in the American cigar market, Candela cigars have since evolved into a refined, niche offering appreciated by connoisseurs and curious smokers alike.

Today, brands like Antares Cigars are bringing renewed attention to Candela by blending tradition with innovation, offering both classic vitolas and modern limited editions that showcase this rare wrapper in distinctive ways.

What Is a Candela Wrapper?

The Candela wrapper, historically called Double Claro, undergoes a fast, high-temperature curing process that locks in its natural green color. Unlike darker wrappers that are fermented for longer periods to develop deeper flavors, Candela’s unique curing technique preserves the chlorophyll, resulting in a wrapper that smokes fresh, mild, and slightly sweet.

This process, once standard in mid-20th-century cigar production, creates a wrapper that stands out both visually and in terms of taste.

A Look Back: Candela’s Place in Cigar History

Candela wrappers rose to prominence in the 1950s and 1960s, when they became the most popular wrapper style in the United States. Marketed then as American Market Selection, Candela cigars were appreciated for their accessibility and smooth profile.

As global preferences shifted toward fuller-bodied cigars, Candela lost ground to darker, spicier wrappers. However, brands like Antares are bringing the wrapper back into the spotlight—reintroducing it to modern smokers through bold new interpretations and refined craftsmanship.

Flavor Profile and Smoking Experience

Candela cigars are prized for their mild, clean, and slightly sweet character. Typical flavor notes include:

• Light herbal and grassy tones

• A gentle, natural sweetness

• Subtle creaminess with little to no spice

• A smooth and easygoing finish

These qualities make Candela an ideal choice for those who prefer a milder smoke, or for times when a lighter profile is desired—such as early in the day or as a palate refresher.

Antares Candela Cigars: A Modern Expression of Tradition

At Antares Cigars, the Candela wrapper takes on a modern identity through a range of well-crafted vitolas and blends. Rather than viewing Candela as a novelty, Antares treats it with respect—integrating it into traditional formats as well as more complex, multi-wrapper special editions.

You’ll find Antares Candela cigars in the following formats:

• Robusto

• Nub

• Toro

• Gordo

• Salomoncito Perfecto

Each vitola highlights the smooth, refreshing character of the Candela wrapper, paired with carefully selected fillers and binders to create a balanced experience.

Additionally, Antares offers Special Edition cigars featuring four distinct wrappers, one of which is Candela. These layered cigars are a testament to the brand’s innovation and blending expertise—offering complexity, visual appeal, and a memorable flavor journey in a single smoke.

This approach to blending positions Antares not only as a guardian of traditional craftsmanship, but as a pioneer in revitalizing the Candela wrapper for today’s cigar community.

Who Should Consider Candela?

Candela cigars from Antares are an excellent choice for:

• Smokers seeking a smooth, refined experience

• Collectors and connoisseurs looking for something distinctive

• Aficionados interested in vintage flavor profiles

• Those looking for a versatile cigar suitable for morning or midday enjoyment

Whether you’re revisiting a classic or discovering the Candela wrapper for the first time, Antares offers a thoughtfully made portfolio that invites both nostalgia and new appreciation.

Conclusion: Tradition Reimagined

The Candela wrapper may no longer be the market leader it once was, but in the hands of modern cigar makers like Antares, it has found new life. With a lineup that honors both tradition and innovation, Antares Candela cigars offer a rare opportunity to experience a timeless wrapper in a fresh and sophisticated way.

From classic formats to ambitious special editions, Candela remains not only relevant—but essential to the diverse world of premium cigars.