Review: M by Macanudo Dark Rum Toro

Cigar Reviewed: Macanudo M Dark Rum

Smoked at: Long Beach, MS

The M by Macanudo Dark Rum Toro is an infused cigar that promises a bold, rum-inspired experience. From the moment I removed it from the cellophane, I was greeted with an inviting sweetness—an aroma that instantly reminded me of old-fashioned barrel root beer. As a Mississippi native, I couldn’t help but relate it to Barq’s Root Beer, with its rich, slightly spiced depth. While I’m no longer a drinker and can’t compare it directly to dark rum, the initial scent carried a nostalgic, dessert-like quality that piqued my interest.

The cigar had a slightly spongy feel compared to other premium sticks I’ve tried, but it was consistently firm throughout. A cold draw brought forward notes of pepper, but not your typical black pepper—it leaned more toward cayenne, offering a mild but noticeable spice. Just before lighting, I detected an extra layer of sweetness on my lips, reminiscent of cream soda or caramel. It was an intriguing and pleasant start, setting the stage for what was to come.

From the first few puffs, there was no mistaking this for anything but an infused cigar. The sweet tip left a sugary sensation, while the main flavors leaned heavily into a dark rum character—though, to me, it still carried that root beer-like profile. The balance of sweetness, spice, and woodiness made for an interesting mix. It was both fiery and smooth, with kettle corn-like sweetness dusted with cayenne. Beneath that, I picked up wood and earth, adding some depth to the experience.

Around the midpoint, the flavor took an unexpected but natural turn. The pronounced sweetness began to fade, making way for earthy and peppery notes. The pepper was more defined now, though still carrying a subtle cayenne warmth rather than the sharp bite of black pepper. This transition steered the cigar into more traditional territory, which may surprise some who expect a consistent, sweet profile throughout. While it was a noticeable shift, it wasn’t unpleasant—just different from where the cigar began.

Toward the final third, I noticed a return of the sweetness, though it wasn’t as pronounced as in the first half. The balance between savory, spicy, and sweet came full circle, almost as if the cigar was intentionally designed to ebb and flow in flavor. The construction held up well throughout, with a consistent burn and a smooth draw, never requiring relights or corrections.

I paired this cigar with a pistachio-flavored coffee from a well-known chain, and it was a great complement to the cigar’s profile. I could also see it pairing well with espresso, black coffee, flavored coffee, or even a certain spicy soda from a physician-associated brand (you get it).

While this wouldn’t be my everyday smoke, I can absolutely see myself keeping a couple in my humidor for the right occasion. If you’re into flavored cigars, this is one you should try. And if you’re not? Well, try one anyway—you might be surprised.