The word Connecticut appears on many wrapper sheets. To interpret it, it helps to observe whether the description refers to seed, provenance or shade cultivation.

Cigar Aficionado defines Connecticut Shade as Connecticut-seed tobacco grown under shade in the Connecticut River valley. The cover diffuses the light and favours a thin, flexible leaf, used for wrapper. The same glossary notes that Connecticut seed is also grown in other countries.

Comparing both names reveals the detail: “Connecticut Shade” from the US valley combines origin and growing system; “Ecuador Connecticut” places a leaf of the stated seed in another country. The tone of a wrapper can guide observation, but provenance is known through the manufacturer’s information.