Excellent Flavor, Inconsistent Performance

Smoked: Macanudo Ecuadorian Shade

Smoked at: Long Beach, Mississippi

Macanudo Ecuadorian Shade

Cigar World Testing Lab Review

Disclosure: This cigar was provided by the Cigar World Testing Lab for review. Because of the Testing Lab’s timeline, it rested in my humidor for only two days at 68% relative humidity before smoking. Under normal circumstances, I would allow a new cigar to acclimate longer, but I wanted to evaluate it within the program’s required timeframe.

I also broke one of my own morning traditions for this review. Instead of pairing it with coffee, I drank nothing but water. I wanted the cigar to speak for itself. For the record, I missed my coffee.

The first thing that caught my attention was the wrapper. It had an attractive, even color with a silky appearance, and the box press was nicely done without being overly square. I did notice the double cap looked a little uneven before cutting it, but it turned out to be a complete nonissue. A straight cut produced a clean opening, the cap held together perfectly, and even when the outer layer began to lift later in the smoke, the second cap did exactly what it was designed to do. It never affected the draw or the smoking experience.

The cold aroma was immediately inviting with a natural sweetness that became even more pronounced after the cut. The cold draw surprised me with notes that reminded me of dried apricots and raisins. The draw was slightly more open than I usually expect from a box pressed cigar, but still enjoyable.

From first light, this cigar was exactly what I hoped it would be. Smooth, approachable, and easy to enjoy. The naturally sweet tobacco was the dominant flavor, accompanied by a warm spice that reminded me of the seasoning in a Southern sweet potato pie. I’m not saying the cigar tasted like pie, but that familiar nutmeg forward warmth stayed at the front of the profile and became one of my favorite parts of the blend.

While I’m hesitant to label any cigar a “beginner cigar,” this is one I would confidently hand to someone just entering the hobby. It’s mellow enough not to overwhelm a new smoker, yet interesting enough that experienced smokers won’t find it boring.

As a graphic designer, I also appreciated the presentation. Macanudo’s classic gold band is already recognizable, but the addition of the deep purple secondary band gives this release its own personality while respecting the brand’s heritage. It’s a simple touch that adds to the overall experience before the cigar is ever lit.

One observation that stood out to me came as the review progressed. Initially, I found myself wishing the cigar were a little longer. Then it dawned on me why Macanudo probably chose this vitola. Since the Ecuadorian Shade and Sumatra versions share the same binder and fillers, differing only in the wrapper, this smaller box pressed format allows the wrapper to play a larger role in the smoking experience. That’s a thoughtful decision and one that I came to appreciate.

Unfortunately, this particular sample struggled with combustion. The burn became uneven during the first third and eventually required a relight after the ember went out. The draw, while enjoyable early on, proved to be a little more open than ideal. As the cigar progressed, the center of the foot consistently wanted to burn ahead of the wrapper. The ash remained firm and attractive, but there were times when the cigar produced very little smoke despite retaining considerable heat. I couldn’t help but wonder if this particular sample might have benefited from a slightly firmer roll.

The disappointing part is that the flavor never gave me a reason to quit. Quite the opposite. I found myself letting the cigar cool and relighting it because I genuinely wanted to keep smoking it. Even in the final third, the cigar became hot without becoming bitter. The sweet tobacco and warm spice remained enjoyable, but the heat eventually kept me from smoking as much of it as I wanted. I made it just beyond the primary band before deciding it was time to call it, and honestly, I wasn’t ready to put it down.

Truth be told, I actually smoked a little farther than I intended. I’d already decided I’d reached the end of the review, but I kept picking it back up hoping for another enjoyable draw. That probably says as much about the blend as anything else I can write. Despite the combustion issues, I simply wasn’t ready for the experience to end.

At its expected price point of under seven dollars, this cigar represents good value. The blend impressed me enough that I absolutely want to smoke another one. I’d gladly buy another single because I genuinely want to know whether the combustion issues I experienced were unique to this sample. I’m still not ready to commit to a box, but at this price I’d certainly consider a five pack after another positive experience. If the next one burns the way this one tasted, Macanudo will have a winner on its hands.

Bobeechee’s Buying Guide

Smoke Again? Absolutely.

Buy a Single? Without hesitation.

Buy a Five Pack? Yes, at this price, after another positive experience.

Buy a Box? Not yet.