Macanudo Vintage Maduro 2013 Robusto – Blind Cigar Review

Cigar Info

Last year, General Cigar Co. introduced the Macanudo Vintage Maduro 2013, adding to its series of vintage cigars. This particular edition featured a Connecticut broadleaf wrapper that was harvested in the favorable climate of the Connecticut River Valley in 2013. According to Ernest Gocaj, who oversees the company’s growing operations in Connecticut, the year 2013 was notable for its optimal growing conditions, which included high temperatures and significant rainfall, enhancing the quality of the broadleaf tobacco.

This tobacco was then subjected to a thorough eight-week curing process to ensure the leaves developed their full flavor profile. The binder used in these cigars comes from Honduras, and the filler blend includes Dominican Piloto Cubano, Brazilian Mata Fina, and Nicaraguan tobacco from Jalapa, carefully selected to complement the robust wrapper.

The Macanudo Vintage Maduro 2013 was released in three sizes: the 5-inch by 50 ring gauge Robusto, the 6 by 54 Toro Grande, and the 7 by 49 Churchill. These cigars were produced at the General Cigar Dominicana factory and celebrates the legacy of the Macanudo Vintage line, which dates back to 1988.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Robusto
Length: 5″
Ring Gauge: 50
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: USA Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Dominican Republic, Brazil, Nicaragua
Factory: General Cigar Dominicana
Blender: Jhonys Diaz
Number of reviewers: 5 – John A. (Bostoneo) Alan (Eulogy) Quinn (quinnpins269) Jason H. (Jokey Smurf) Randy B. (randobush)
Price: $11.99
Age: 6 Months
Release Date: July 2023
Contributed by: General Cigar Co.

Initial Impressions – Macanudo Vintage Maduro 2013 Robusto

Appearance: 93

“The cigar had a very earthy and rugged appearance to it. There was a gritty sand paper-like feel to the dark oily wrapper.” –Quinn (quinnpins269)

Aroma: 93

“Classic barnyard and soft manure smell.” –Randy B. (randobush)

First Third

Flavor: 90
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Full

“The first few puffs hit me with heavy amounts of spice and black pepper. They did mellow out slightly as I continued through the first third. The ash was holding on well but appeared to be very flakey and starting to flare out as I smoked.” –Quinn (quinnpins269)

“Upon cutting above the cap line, this cigars cap tobacco becomes detached from the head. Lighting up was a breeze as this cigar begins off with medium to full-bodied flavors of heavy leather with a creamy and black peppered finish. Five minutes in and the profile begins to normalize into a stable combination of the previously mentioned flavors with an emphasis on heavy leather. The burn of this cigar favors one side as the burn is in fact uneven.” –John A. (Bostoneo)

Second Third

Flavor: 92
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“There is a nice smoky creaminess now in the beginning of the second third that really enhances the the flavors of the intended bouquet. The smoke output is becoming increasingly delightful.
At the halfway mark, a bit of chalkiness is left on the palate, but not too off putting.” –Randy B. (randobush)

“The middle portion of the cigar has remained wonderfully full flavored. The dark chewy chocolate has become more creamy now and is reminiscent of a fine milk chocolate. The leather flavors have faded as well and developed more into an espresso note which gives me a mocha on my pallet. Through the nose, the smoke has intensified slightly and now has just a bit more of the lasting pepper burn than before.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

Final Third

Flavor: 90
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Full

“The notes of char have returned and there is no sweetness left at the end. There is a very dry leather, cedar, black pepper, and a salty meatiness profile at the end. It is an interesting profile but I’m missing the sweetness.” –Alan (Eulogy)

“Buttery charred oak bark, cedar, paprika, salt, The finish is now long, with salty paprika resting on the tongue in between draws. Middle of the final third, there’s burning paper flavor that’s sort of unattractive, but the other flavors save it from peril. The oak bark is dominant with white pepper now lingering on the finish. The ash never fell.” –Randy B. (randobush)

Overall Impressions – Macanudo Vintage Maduro 2013 Robusto

Draw: 94

“Incredible draw from start to finish.” –Randy B. (randobush)

Burn: 92

“There was a slight waviness to the burn the entire time but I didn’t need any touch ups or relights. It was pretty good considering the spongy draw.” –Alan (Eulogy)

Construction: 92

“The cigar felt to be rolled very well. It had a nice firm pack to it. The wrapper on this cigar was noticeably thick. It was still rolled with precision to help blend the seems and finish off with a nice single cap.” –Quinn (quinnpins269)

Overall Strength: Medium-Strong
Overall Body/Complexity: Full
Experience Overall: 92

“Overall, this was a decent smoke, flavor-wise, for those who enjoy full-bodied cigars. Oodles of full-flavored leather notes paired with wood, brown sugar, and syrupy notes paired with a peppery cream finish is sure to delight many folks who enjoy this profile. The construction was a little bit awkward as this cigar was clearly underfilled on one side, causing an uneven burn, possibly distracting for the blender’s intent. A bit too strong for me but give it a try!” –John A. (Bostoneo)

“This was certainly an interesting cigar. The profile had dramatic changes every third which was great but not all of the were my cup of tea. I found the draw to be a little spongy and the cap way too small but neither were deal breakers for me. Certainly a unique experience and worth a try.” –Alan (Eulogy)

“A very pepper-forward profile on this cigar with a good amount of strength to it. It is in the realm of cigars that I smoke as I tend to like the peppery profiles. I would look forward to sitting down with this cigar for a second round.” –Quinn (quinnpins269)

“I very much enjoyed the flavors of this cigar as my first cigar of the day. The chocolate milk with the espresso finish was very nice. I can see myself searching for the cigar again and smoking it often once I know what it is. The construction issue was not really an issue and was more of a personal preference and annoyance with the leaf sticking to my lip. I would gladly recommend this to a friend.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

“This cigar surprised me with its unusual flavors, moderate transitions, the unusual color of the wrapper, and the surprisingly well-done construction. I wouldn’t be down for a box, but I would smoke it again.” –Randy B. (randobush)”

Smoking Time (in minutes): 59

To view the complete scores and notes, click here

Macanudo Vintage Maduro 2013 Robusto – Blind Cigar Review