Macanudo Maduro

I have tried this cigar several times, and it has be difficult to determine what to write. Needless to say results have been different each time.

This cigar is made with a Maduro Connecticut Broadleaf, Dominican fillers, and a Mexican binder. This produces a very mild Maduro.

When looked at this cigar I notice that the wrapper was uneven in color on some of them. All of them felt tight though, so maybe it would not matter.

Each one I offer gives a strong earthy tone to it. Sometimes it is like a light coffee. Sadly, this seems to disappear on some. Some of them turn around and become bitter and tart. With the particular size I had I knew to puff slowly. I did that and even still it turned on me. Sometimes though, it is great. Earthy, coffee, hint of sweet. Others, just earthy then bitter.

The burn was just fine on this smoke but the draw is very firm. It takes a decent amount of effort to produce a good smoke, and when you do it causes it to turn sour.

This cigar was a Baron De Rothschild (which is 6.5 x 42) and it runs around $13.50. That is way overpriced for such a cigar. Especially with the inconsistencies. If you get a good one, it is still overpriced.

This one gets a mixed grade. It seems like 1 out of 3 has issues. If it is a good one, it still only gets a C+ to a B-. This though will drop.

Final Grade: F

Onyx Reserve

This was the first Maduro I ever had, and I have been hooked since. So, on this post, I admit my bias.

The wrapper is a Blackened Connecticut Broadleaf while the binder is Nicaraguan. The filler is Dominican, Nicaraguan and Peruvian. Nice oily wrapper. Soft and feel like cloth.

The taste on this cigar is strong and balanced. You are hit with a nice earthy flavor with a nutty flavor. A woody and earthy flavor remain in the aftertaste. It has a toasty flavor to it as well. It is like having a fine scotch. It is strong and smooth.

The draw was firm, but the flavor did not settle. I am thankful for that. The last one I had had a better draw. The burn was nice and even with a good ash at the end.

The one thing that hits this stick is the price. It is $13.75 plus tax for a No. 2 Belicoso. That is a little steep for a 45-50 minute smoke. But the balance of this cigar never ceases, and the pleasure is always there.

Final Grade: A

Oliva Serie V Maduro Especial

The torpedo cigar is made with a Connecticut Broadleaf, Nicaraguan Binder and Jalapa Nicaraguan filler. This Maduro is a limited run of only 50,000 cigars a year.

This cigar fired up in a wonderful way. It started out with a nice spice flavor. It hit with power, but not overwhelming (not like the standard V). During the draw it had an earthy tone with a strong mixture of espresso. A wonderful mix. The aftertaste kept that espresso flavor with a nice bitter hint. Part of it reminded me of a strong green tea. Never had an aftertaste like that.

The construction was beautiful. The one I had had one blemish on it. None of the others did. This did not change the smoke at all. The wrap felt nice and tight. Also it had a nice texture. A little rough and oily. The draw was a little firm but the smoke was still good. The burn was nice and even.

This cigar would run $16.00 plus tax. For the limited production, that is not a bad price.

If you like the standard Serie V, try this one. It is different. Not so much the chocolate type flavors. This one has the spice and espresso but in a different balance that makes it unique.

Final Grade: A+