This is a statement I cut from a thread over at CF posted by Carlito himself. I found it interesting thats for sure. Take a look at the whole thread in the fine cigar room under "short story falls short."
"I was taught by my grandfather and father that the wrapper was by far the most important element of the cigar. The wrapper can contribute between 50 to 60% of the personality of the cigar. Some of the old " masters " even believed it contributed more. For the record : the reason Slimboli found the information above is that I was requested in 1993 by Mr. Marvin Shaken to make the first CA public presentation on wrappers in a seminar to a soldout audience in New york City. I will never forget that after my presentation stating the above, many, (who conveniently entered later in life), in the cigar industry contradicted my statements. Some were even indirectly associated with the (new) Cuban cigar industry which has nothing to do with the way of thinking of the old " masters ". Since at the time I was the only one who publicly defended my position, Cigar Aficionado obviously printed other cigar makers view. Fortunately for consumers, time has passed and it is not as easy for some to BS their way through cigar tobacco knowledge as it used to be. Ask CA this question today and they know the answer. Alot has been learned since 1993. And to say that Cameroun Wrapper is neutral is just plain ABSURD. This is why as time goes by I am more and more motivated to write a book on my family's life in cigars with ALL the unwritten truths. I never thought I would even consider this, but as I get older I feel I have a strong responsibility in guarding the precious history of my family and our hardworking respected peers who defended the integrity of our industry with pride and honor. It just tears me up when I see in print so much distortion of the actual facts. sincerely, your island friend carlito."