Cigar Info
Each of the past few years at the IPCPR show, Macanudo has released a limited edition of it’s Macanudo brand, this year was the Macanudo | MAO featuring heirloom Dominican seeds from the 1960’s.
This cigar was reviewed blind (no bands) by a panel of at least 4 reviewers. They did not know what they were smoking beforehand. The scores are an average of all the reviewers' scores with outliers removed. All of our cigars reviewed are shipped to the panelists with Boveda packs to ensure optimal smoking experience.
Macanudo‘s team of agronomists regenerated the seeds over eight growing seasons, breeding the plants in two different countries to deliver improved leaf shape, color and combustibility, while preserving the rare tobacco’s true flavor. In just four years, the agronomists have replicated the taste of a bygone era for the sheer enjoyment of today’s discerning smokers. The regenerated Dominican tobacco comprises the lion’s share of the blend, which also includes Nicaraguan and Colombian long filler and a Mexican binder. The wrapper is a Connecticut Shade selected solely for Macanudo Mao.
Jhonys Diaz, master blender and vice president of operations said, “Macanudo Mao is one of our finest examples of tobacco expertise to date. We began our regeneration experiments more than five years ago, and are extremely proud of our team of agronomists for bringing this exceptionally-flavored tobacco back to life.”
The MAO is named for the growing region in the Dominican Republic where the seeds were cultivated and will only be available until the limited release of 1,800 boxes per size is depleted. Macanudo Mao was available beginning in September in three front marks, each protected in individual coffins and presented in 10-count boxes. They are: No. 10 — 5 x 50; SRP per cigar is $16.00 No. 11 — 7 x 50; SRP per cigar is $17.00 No. 12 — 6 x 57; SRP per cigar is $18.00
Vital Stats:
Vitola: Robusto
Length: 5″
Ring Gauge: 50
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: US Connecticut Shade
Binder: San Andres
Filler: Nicaragua, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic
Factory: General Cigar Dominicana
Blender: Jhonys Diaz
Number of reviewers: 4 – Adam B. (Bushboy) Dave W. (mdwest) Matthew T. (A Huge Nerd) Jeff (ExpendableYouth)
Price: $16.00
Age: 7 Months
Release Date: July 2016
Contributed by: General Cigar
Initial Impressions
Appearance: 89
“The cigar has a slightly oily sheen to the wrapper with tight lines, and a normal amount small veins running throughout it. The cigar is a little loose at the shoulder, but it otherwise it is pretty uniform through the rest of it. Overall it’s not a bad looking cigar, but it’s not going t catch your eye from across the room either.” –Jeff (ExpendableYouth)
Aroma: 88
“The cigar is mildly pungent with barnyard and hay type notes filling its pre-light aroma.” –Dave W. (mdwest)
First Third
Flavor: 90
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium
“Sort of a strange flavor profile is produced in the first third that I could only describe as graham crackers without the sweetness normally associated with them. Its enjoyable, but “different” than what was expected.” –Dave W. (mdwest)
“I was very surprised with the start on this cigar. While the strength was on the light side of medium, the flavors were very pleasant and interesting. Instead of a pepper kick in the beginning, my palate was rushed by flavors of cocoa and cinnamon. Even with the somewhat tight draw, plenty of smoke is produced on each puff. The retrohale has a very unique butterscotch note that I love. As the first third comes to a close, a very mild pepper note comes in.” –Matthew T. (A Huge Nerd)
Second Third
Flavor: 90
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
“Faint spice front the first third remained. Earthy and a new baked bread flavor. Nuttiness subsided and burn has been perfect so far. Very pleasant aroma. Draw has loosened up a bit and is no longer an issue.” –Adam B. (Bushboy)
“The second-third has picked up in strength considerably and there has been a noticeable increase in pepper. The draw has loosened a bit in this third but the smoke output is still spot-on and I haven’t noticed any heating issues with the cigar. There is still al lot of wood and the graham cracker finish is still present. The only major change in this third is a slight leather note that creeps in and out between puffs.” –Jeff (ExpendableYouth)
Final Third
Flavor: 90
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
“Final third brought on a distinct leather flavor. Melded nicely with the carry over earthy bread flavors. Burn stayed perfect throughout, although it got a little hot with about 2 inches left.” –Adam B. (Bushboy)
“Still no transition or changes. This cigar was the same from the first puff until the last one, producing only a graham cracker type flavor.” –Dave W. (mdwest)
Overall Impressions
Draw: 88
“The draw was tight almost all the way through, but I can’t really count that as fault because smoke output was always plentiful.” –Matthew T. (A Huge Nerd)
Burn: 92
“A very good burn was experienced that produced a dense ash that held on extremely well.” –Dave W. (mdwest)
Construction: 92
“Aside from a couple of small discoloration spots on the wrapper, this cigar looked and performed beautifully. The pack was even and the wrapper was applied with skill. The fact that the burn stayed true was another testament to the great hands that built this cigar.” –Matthew T. (A Huge Nerd)
Overall Strength: Medium-Strong
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
Experience Overall: 88
“Started off unimpressed. Flavor transition, burn line and aroma brought me around to enjoying this robusto. I would definitely entertain trying these again if the price was right. If they are priced over $7 I would pass. Under $5 and I would buy a fiver.” –Adam B. (Bushboy)
“While a very one dimensional and simple stick, the flavor produced was different and enjoyable. I’m not sure it could keep my attention in a longer smoke, but in a robusto it was fine.” –Dave W. (mdwest)
“I loved it, and didn’t have to fight with this cigar, and it gave me some flavors that were pleasant, unique, and very compatible. It also kept me interested when the profile would transition and show me something new. Combine that with a smooth retrohale and a great burn and I am happy.” –Matthew T. (A Huge Nerd)
“The cigar was a little one dimensional, but it was still a really good smoke. The cigar had some really good moments, and the second-third was excellent. I would like to try another one without the under filled tip and see how it holds up. I would definitely recommend picking one up to try.” –Jeff (ExpendableYouth)
Smoking Time (in minutes): 60
|
Reviewer
|
Appearance
|
Aroma
|
1/3
|
2/3
|
3/3
|
Draw
|
Burn
|
Constr.
|
Overall
Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adam B. | 88 | 88 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 87 | 97 | 92 | 87 |
| Dave W. | 90 | 92 | 88 | 88 | 88 | 85 | 90 | 90 | 87 |
| Matthew T. | 88 | 90 | 92 | 92 | 90 | 87 | 92 | 92 | 95 |
| Jeff | 90 | 88 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 87 | 92 | 85 | 87 |
To view the complete scores and notes, click here.