Macanudo is a cigar name that is very recognizable in the cigar community. From novice to seasoned smoker, a Macanudo cigar has more than likely been, or is, a part of most everyone’s smoking history. It has been the introductory cigar brand to many smokers and has introduced them to the cigar smoking experience. I have always thought of Macanudo as a light and easy cigar. With its US grown Connecticut Shade wrapper, Macanudo Café has probably been gifted to more new smokers than one can imagine. However, over the course of several years, Macanudo has been ever so quietly upping their game in the medium to full bodied cigar experience. The Inspirado Line expanded their blends to include the full strength Macanudo Inspirado Red which was the first Macanudo blend to be produced in Nicaragua.
Under the Lid
At first glance the unmistakable Macanudo logo is apparent as the goldleaf shows up nicely on the deep sea blue label. With goldleaf trim that accentuates the logo, the label is simple yet elegant. The color choice is rich and matches nicely with the lighter and brighter sea blue of the foot band. Unobtrusively, España is simply embossed in matching gold lettering.
- Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf Claro
- Binder: Nicaraguan Condega
- Filler: Dominican Piloto, Colombian, Nicaraguan ASP, Spain
- Vitola: Robusto (5 x 52), Toro (6 x 52), Churchill (7 x 48), Perfecto (6 x 54 at fattest point)
- Factory: HATSA Factory, Honduras
- Release Date: PCA 2023
- Number of boxes released: Regular Production
- MSRP: Robusto $14.99, Toro $15.99, Churchill $16.99, Perfecto $17.99
I can openly admit that I had some bias going into this review. I have smoked Macanudo cigars before but haven’t done so in quite a long while. When I’m looking for a fairly priced cigar that is easy on a beginner’s palette, I have certainly purchased the Macanudo Café. However, for me it has not been a brand that I paid a lot of attention to or explored more fully. I’m anxious to see if this good looking Emissary can change that for me. The wrapper is a nice oily golden brown with a smooth body. Inspecting the foot reveals a densely packed filler and there is a nice substantial cap at the head. Breathing in the scents from the tobacco I am surprised by the floral notes that remind me of gardenia. The dry draw has a hint of floral mixed with a toasty hay and honey. It is time to light and smoke.
Performance Notes:
First third: I like creamy cigars, and this cigar is creamy right out of the gate. The hint of gardenia is there as is a bit of white pepper. The pepper does not tingle the tongue but seems to provide a cool sensation. At the back of the palette and into the throat I notice buttery nuances that mix nicely with the creaminess of the cigar. A bit of toasted cedar is present as I get more into the smoke. The retro produces floral notes mixed with some sweet caramel. The ash is almost pure white indicating that the tobacco was most likely grown in mineral rich soil. The burn is a bit wavy, but the burn line is thin, dark and crisp.
Second third: As I venture into the middle third, I notice a hint of nuts developing. The white pepper has receded way into the background, and one could miss it if not paying attention. The creaminess remains as does the butter and toasted cedar. There are little hints of various flavors such as caramel and the earlier floral note still remains but is melded more into the other notes now. The burn remains just a bit wonky and wavy, and I find myself straightening it out just because I’m anal like that. The draw is easy and makes the cigar relaxing. There are no problems keeping the cigar lit and it produces a decent amount of smoke with each draw.
Final third: There is an increase in strength in this last third. Not a “knock your socks” off increase, but an increase just the same. The flavors become a bit richer and deeper with the floral note well in the background now along with the white pepper. The toasted cedar notes become stronger and intersperses with a creamy French roast coffee, nuts, and buttery caramel. There has been no change in the burn of the cigar, and I am able to smoke down to a decent sized nub. The ash remained intact for most of the smoke, and I tapped at about one inch intervals after the original tap at about two inches to see how it held.
Core Flavors: Toasted Cedar, Floral, Cream / Butter
Strength: Medium Light – Medium
Body: Medium
Complexity: Medium
Smokin Experience: I was duly impressed with this cigar. Macanudo has created a cigar that definitely validates the notion that a cigar does not have to be full strength in order to have a fuller body. The complexity of this cigar is not tremendous, but it is complex enough to stay pleasing to the palette all the way through. Many times, a medium light cigar can be lacking in the flavor complexity, but Macanudo got it right on this one. Perhaps the Spanish tobacco, grown in Western Spain lends this cigar to more complexity due to the rocky soil and mediterranean climate which produces rich flavors from thick, oily leaves. The Emissary checked off all the boxes for me and my only real critique is the burn. The wavy burn line can require straightening out throughout the smoking experience, but it is not a deal breaker. This is a cigar that most any level of smoker can smoke and easily enjoy. With a sophisticated yet simple look, ease of smoking, and a light to medium strength that houses some complex notes, this is great anytime cigar.
Purchase Recommendation: Grab a Fiver
Smokin Facts:
- Macanudo Cigars were originally produced in Jamaica and have been around since 1968
- Macanudo Cigars is part of the General Cigar family and relocated to the Dominican Republic in October of 2000
Smokin Wrap
Cigars smoked for the review: Three
Average smoking time: 70 minutes
Score 89
Diana (Dee) Pitman – Product Reviewer
Diana Pitman, known in the cigar world as “Dee” or “The Queen Of Cigars”, was born and raised in southern New Jersey. Her lifelong dream of joining the military became a reality at 43 years young. She served in the US Army Nurse Corps as an ER Nurse and deployed in support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. It was during her military service in 2004 that she first smoked cigars. Upon her Honorable discharge at the rank of Captain in 2010, she continued smoking cigars and it slowly progressed from a coping tool to a hobby, and finally to a passion. She resides in South Jersey with her Service Dog Finn Ezekiel and looks forward to retirement from her position of Director of the Cumberland County Department of Veterans Affairs and traveling the country visiting cigar lounges and her many friends she has made through the cigar lifestyle.
