Cigar review: Macanudo puts another link in their cigar chain. This past summer, they have come up with their first flavor infused cigar. In their own words:
The evolution of Macanudo continues with M, the brand’s first flavor-infused cigar.
With sophisticated nuances of single origin coffee, M by Macanudo is a rich and aromatic cigar brimming with tobacco flavor.
Steve Abbot, senior brand manager for Macanudo said, “With M, we’re once again launching a cigar that defies the conventional notions of what the brand represents. This is not your typical flavored cigar. M smokes like a premium Nicaraguan cigar, and the experience is enhanced with just the right amount of coffee flavor. We’re sure that M will be a fast favorite among Macanudo smokers, as it will be for any premium cigar smoker looking to up their game with a dynamic and flavorful smoke.”
As M is handcrafted according to Macanudo’s exacting standards, only the finest, hand-selected leaves are chosen. A silky Indonesian Besuki wrapper and a binder from the Philippines are peppered with a blend of Nicaraguan and other fine tobaccos, yet this intriguing cigar still retains a medium-bodied edge.
Notes of cedar, earth and spice are intertwined with hints of gourmet coffee for a creamy cigar that smokes like the best café con leche you’ve ever tasted.
M by Macanudo will debut in July, shipping to retailers after the IPCPR trade show. The collection will launch with these three sizes, each packed in boxes containing 20 cigars:
Corona (6” x 44); SRP per cigar $7.49
Toro (6” x 50); SRP per cigar $7.99
Belicoso (6” x 54); SRP per cigar $8.49
My sample was acquired from General Cigar and Macanudo gratis. As always how and where I receive the cigar does not impact my subjective judgment in my review.
I suggest trying the stick and make your own take.
Brand/Name of Cigar: Macanudo/M
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Size: 6 x 50
Wrapper: Indonesia ( Besuki )
Binder: Philippines
Filler: Nicaragua
Shape: Toro
Where and When Smoked: Los Angeles, Ca. Lone Wolf Cigar Lounge, 10/17/18
Appearance/Construction: A dark brown wrapper , oily to the touch and firm. No soft spots or obvious defects. Construction is solid and appears well made. The cigar band sports a large M with a modern design. Overall a good-looking cigar.
Flavor/Taste and Aroma: First third: The coffee infusion is evident from the start, with a very sweet brown sugar introduction . Creamy with nuts and cocoa. There was no spice in the first third.
Second third: Coffee is still the dominant flavor , milky and smooth. The other flavors are slightly present. A trace of hazelnut seems to be around too.
Final third: With the coffee taste flaring away , we now get the spice introduction which adds to the cigar’s presence. I would have liked some of the spice earlier in the smoke.
This is a pleasant cigar with a mild to medium profile.
Smoking Characteristics: The cigar was well made as it was true to its burn throughout. There were no relights or any issues. Construction was solid.
Conclusion/Overall Impression: Infused cigars while not something I would normally smoke, hold a niche in the overall cigar world. Sales must be doing OK as cigar manufacturers. are producing them consistently.
The Macanudo M does well for an infused cigar as the coffee is overall pleasant without being too cloying. The sweet nature of the cigar needs to be toned down a bit with an earlier introduction of spice. If you like this type of product , the M would be a good choice.
Final Thoughts and the Numbers:
Appearance/Construction: 4 out of 5
Flavor/Taste and Aroma: 3.5 out of 5
Smoking Characteristics: 4 out of 5
Conclusion/ Overall Impression: 3.8 out of 5
Certainly worth trying for a cigar smoker who wants to be out of their element for a bit. Purchase a 5 pack and see what you think. If you are a fan of infused cigars, this will be a good choice.
Keep smoking