Cigar Review - Macanudo Hyde Park Maduro

Macanudo – Hyde Park Maduro

Vitola: Robusto
Length: 5.5″
Ring Gauge: 49
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Mexican San Andrean
Filler: Dominican (Piloto Cubano), Mexican
Pairing: San Francisco Bay Foglifter coffee


The day after Father's Day, a long day of work, and I just wanted something tasty. Sometimes you don't want a steak, sometimes you just want something light and delicious. For me, that can easily be satisfied with a Macanudo cigar. They are always well-constructed and consistently good. This Hyde Park Maduro has been resting for about 2 years and its time has come.

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Fit and Finish: As is always the case in my experience with Macanudos, the fit and finish are perfect. On the nose there is cocoa and cedar (it HAS been resting in a wood humidor for a while).

Draw: A v-cut gives a nice even draw with flavors of cocoa and tobacco.

Toast/Light: Easy toasting after resting at 65% rh for a while. Copious amounts of smoke and definite cocoa on the first draw.

First third: This cigar is exactly what you would expect. Very smooth, very creamy and excellent cocoa flavor. There is really no spice to speak of and while the flavors aren't very complex, they are very flavorful and pleasant.

Second Third: A nuttiness joins in with the cocoa and the smooth profile continues. Not much change but that can be a positive as well. It is consistently good.

Final Third: The entire second half is really a continuation of cocoa and nuts on a very creamy smoke. There is a sweetness to this cigar that isn't really sugary, but is definitely there. Again, nothing that is going to leave you guessing.

Final Thoughts: The burn was perfect and ash retention outstanding. I think Macanudos get a short deal. They don't claim to be the most powerful or complex cigars around. They do claim to be flavorful and well-made. On this account they deliver in spades. This cigar never even pretended it was going to approach even medium strength, but when I wanted a delicious and relaxing cigar it was exactly what I was looking for.

Total smoking time: 90 minutes

I think the problem with Macanudos lies in the price point, and that they tend to be mild.

For $8-12, you can get some really outstanding cigars.

And for the long time cigar aficionados, mild cigars are too mild for their palates.

I can see your point and I agree. But I think there is something to be said for knowing exactly what you'll be getting and for that these are great, not only for those who just want something tasty without having to think too much about it, but especially for the very occasional cigar smoker who might not have developed the palate yet for something more complex. As an example, when I first started with cigars my wife bought me a Padron (I don't remember the exact cigar, but think it was a 1964 Anniversary) and I thought it tasted like garbage compared to the Drew Estate Java I had smoked. Now, don't get me wrong, I still love the Javas, but I just couldn't appreciate what the Padron had to offer. Instead I tried a Macanudo and loved it. My tastes have changed but I can still appreciate what it is that Macanudo provides. :)

Funny thing about the written word...what I thought was just conversational as I was typing seemed sanctimonious and preachy when I read it back (of course, after hitting send). I do see your point, Cameron, and it is well-presented and on point.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CoachDread

Funny thing about the written word...what I thought was just conversational as I was typing seemed sanctimonious and preachy when I read it back (of course, after hitting send). I do see your point, Cameron, and it is well-presented and on point.

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No worries, I didn't find anything offensive about what you wrote.

They'd be perfect for a newbie like myself, but the price point isn't too friendly to my wallet.