Third Fermentation
Production & CuringEnglish
Definition
An additional fermentation given to specific grades after the main one, typically to heavy ligero or to leaf destined for maduro wrapper. The stack is re-wetted and rebuilt, often at lower temperature, for weeks or months more.
Why it matters
It is how a maduro reaches its dark color and sweetness without simply being dyed or heat-treated, and it is expensive in both time and leaf lost to breakage.
In context
"The maduro wrapper went through a third fermentation before it was considered ready."
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