One of Macanudo's Tastiest Iterations

SUMATRA

Visually, the contrast between the classic gold Macanudo badge and the vibrant, deep red Sumatra band looks exceptionally sharp and premium. Although it is a well-packed box-pressed cigar, it did loosen slightly as the heat softened the binders, and I am glad that I opted for a cat-eye (V-cut) to concentrate the draw.

I found the Sumatra's profile to be that of a medium-bodied cigar; a clear step up in flavor from the Ecuadorian Shade. The first third delivered an excellent burn with a firm ash. Exhaling gave me a thick, dense smoke that beautifully billowed into the air. The retrohale was clean with no harshness, and I sensed a hint of cedar.

The construction remained flawless through the second third, requiring zero touch-ups or maintenance. The cadence was naturally fast because the smoke is incredibly smooth and clean. This blend cleared quickly from the palate, leaving a clean sensation that immediately invited the next puff. Leaving the cigar for a moment during the final third revealed its true finish: a clean, semi-sweet spice on the palate and a faint note of cedar in the nostrils.

THE VERDICT: I think that the Sumatra is one of Macanudo's tastiest iterations, with a rich, smoky presence and a nice, brief spice pop while remaining entirely approachable for any level of smoker. The Sumatra is an engaging smoke, so much so that crossing the halfway point brought a genuine touch of disappointment that the experience was flying by too fast. It is an excellent, reliable companion for a walk. I would really enjoy a larger vitola of this cigar for the golf course, smoking one during the round and then another at the clubhouse with friends.

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