Maduro
/ ma-DOO-ro /
Tobacco & LeafSpanish
Definition
A wrapper color class, dark brown to nearly black, produced by using thick leaf and giving it longer or hotter fermentation. Maduro is a process and color designation, not a tobacco variety, and it is often labeled SMS in the old market-selection shorthand.
Why it matters
Extended fermentation converts starches and softens harshness, which is why maduro usually tastes sweeter and rounder rather than simply stronger.
In context
"He asked for the maduro, expecting sweetness rather than the extra strength people assume comes with it."