A step into the bolder direction

Cigar Reviewed: Macanudo Sumatra

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra

Binder:U.S. Broadleaf

Filler: Dominican Piloto, Nicaraguan Condega, Nicaraguan Esteli, Dominican Olor

First impressions

The cigar is appears to be well constructed. There's a nice even dark tone to the wrapper, all of the seams are super tight. There's no visible lumps or major veins or occlusions to be found. There's just the right amount of bounce in the boxpress, this seems like it will be easy to light and puff on.

The pre-light sniffs are giving off hot chocolate powder mix on the foot and overall wrapper. There's also a faint freshly sanded wood aroma.

On the pre-light draw, the chocolate note is detectable and there's also a little capsaicin tingle on the lips.

The Light / 1st 3rd

Easy to ignite, letting it rest for a minute to acclimate before diving in I notice the smoke output is a light and wispy. First few puffs are giving off a nice medium mouthfeel. There's a sweet wood aroma filling the airspace.

At first I was getting a mild amount of capsaicin on the lips and tongue. That seems to have faded off part way through the first third. Notes of light cocoa, black coffee and sweet wood are the main flavors I am detecting.

There's a slight sweetness on the retrohale.

Second 3rd

The sweetness that I was picking up on the retrohale are now making their way into the palate as well. It's very subtle. I like it. Pepper is pretty much nonexistent at this point. The coffee and cocoa have tapered off a little bit.

There's a noticeable mineral quality coming through. It tastes and smells like grilled portabello mushrooms. I am getting this both on the palate and retrohale. This flavor mixed with a slight fresh cut wood.

Retrohale remains sweet and earthy.

Final 3rd

Nearing the final third, the grilled portabello tapered off and it transitioned into a roasted coffee bean note. There's a slight hint of white pepper and oak dancing around. The sweeter notes from earlier are also prancing around from time to time. It seems to make an appearance every other puff or so.

Retrohale transitioned into a light airy tobacco and oak-wood note.

At the nub the flavors all remained the same. It started to get a little hot with about an inch left so I had to call it.

Conclusion

I enjoyed this one a fair bit. While it's not a huge flavor-bomb (I was not expecting it to be) it certainly did offer some bold flavors that were quite enjoyable. All of the typical sumatra notes and characteristics are to be had here. The pepper is nice and subtle, wood and sweetness. It's not too bold at all. It's good! The portabello mushroom quality is something I really like about a good broadleaf as well. I am glad this note made it's way through.

I think this would be very approachable for someone that is dipping their toes into the waters of stronger cigars. If you want to experience something with a little bite, but don't want to overdo it. This would be a fine candidate. Seasoned smokers that are used to way stronger cigars, you might not feel as fulfilled but that's not to say this doesn't have it's place.

I really struggled to find anything negative to say. It's a good cigar. I could see myself picking up when I want to relax with something in the medium range that offers some of the same flavor profiles that super bold and stronger cigars offer.

Definitely worth getting in my book!