Cigar review: Macanudo/ Cafe Robusto
In 1973 I took my first trip in a jet. Destination was Jamaica , West Indies, spring break with 6 other cronies. At that time you were allowed to smoke in planes in the last rows. My friend Steve was a cigarette smoker so in deference to him, we sat in the rear of the plane so he could puff away.
The flight was 3 hours or so from Kennedy airport in NYC and pretty boring. When we arrived at the Jamaican airport in Montego Bay signs were posted everywhere about the tough pot laws and basically you better not purchase any drugs.
What was also very clear these laws were totally disregarded as dealers were hawking the best ganja you could buy if you just took a car ride with them not far from the airport.
However this is not a dope story but a cigar story. As we were about to leave the airport the duty-free shop, beckoned my group to buy a box of Macanudo cigars for our vacation. The cigars were made in Jamaica and with our limited knowledge of cigars , we were convinced these smokes were the best in the Caribbean, better than Cuban , better than Dominican.
We rented a villa outside of Montego Bay which was an estate of 6 rooms, pool, patio and overlooking the bay. As the week went there were plenty of adventures but we smoked all the Macanudo cigars we had.
Now Macanudo is considered the most widely sold cigar in the United States and even if that is not true, everyone has smoked a Macanudo .This is It what this review will be about. How does this classic cigar stand up?
As always how and where I received the cigar does not influence my subjective judgment. I suggest if you find what I reported interesting , make your own mind up.
I purchased a cigar sampler from Holt’s Cigars and the Macanudo was part of the deal.
Brand/Name of Cigar: Macanudo/ Duke of York
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Size: 5.25 x 54
Wrapper: Connecticut Shade
Binder: Mexican San Andrean
Filler: Dominican( Piloto Cubano) Mexican
Shape: Robusto
Price: Sampler from Holt’s Cigars
Where and When Smoked: Los Angeles, Ca. 2/25/18
Appearance/Construction: A yellow/green tinted wrapper with several visible veins but overall attractive with the well-known cigar band holding steady. Oily sheen, smooth feel and no obvious construction issues.
Flavor/Taste and aroma: I can lump all these categories in one or two thoughts. Smooth is what this cigar is all about. You know there will be nothing in the way that will be distracting or different than what you expect. Hints of fruit, hay and mild caramel. You smoke this cigar for what it what designed to do. Nothing flashy, unexpected or difficult.
The ultimate smooth blend that does not charm you in any way but does not claw at you either.
Smoking Characteristics: Clean smoke, and burn. Light grey ash that is with you throughout the smoke. Even burn line with a slight deviation about 3/4’s in but not a biggie. No tunneling or danger in getting the cigar off track.
Conclusion/Overall Impression: It is the cigar for the new kid on the block, the cigar that will turn you into a lover of the leaf. It is also a cigar for the old veteran who wants a blend that may not challenge you but makes you feel good about smoking cigars.
Final Thoughts and the numbers:
You cannot say anything bad about a cigar that is made for your pleasure and delivers. A steady diet of Macundo’s might turn your taste buds into mush yet there is something very reassuring about a blend that promises you a good afternoon at the house. I think it is always good to have 3 or 4 in your humidor for a friend but for yourself too.
Appearance/Construction: 4 out of 5
Flavor/Taste and Aroma: 3.5 out of 5
Smoking Characteristics: 3.5 out of 5
Conclusion/Overall Impression: 3.8 out of 5
Keep smoking