Macanudo 1968

Overall Score

1 review for Macanudo 1968

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    C**** I********

    Macanudo 1968

    MacanudoOrigin : Dominican Republic
    Format : Rothschild (short robusto)
    Size : 4.5 x 50 (114 x 20 mm)
    Wrapper : Honduras
    Filler : Dominican, Nicaraguan
    Binder : Connecticut Habano
    Hand-Made
    Price : ~$6 each

    It’s been quite a while since I reviewed a Macanudo on this blog. My latest experiences were, at the very least, disappointing. When I heard that a new blend was being released, “rich, dark and inexpected”, full-bodied and oriented toward experienced smokers, it stirred up my curiosity. Consequently, when I saw it on sale I immediately picked up a fiver. Let’s see how the Macanudo 1968 performed.

    Appearance : [rating:4.5/5]
    This is a nice-looking short robusto. By the way, from what I’ve seen on General Cigar’s official website, the Rothschild size is not distributed in the United States, this must be a European release.

    Construction : [rating:5/5]
    Impressive construction. There seems to exist a consensus that the Mac 1968 is incredibly well constructed and I am adding my voice to the pool. All the cigars that I smoked had a perfect draw, a strong ash and a perfectly straight burn line. Check out this picture to see the kind of ash I was getting.

    Flavor : [rating:4/5]
    The pre-draw brought simple yet pleasing tobacco notes. I easily lit it using my Z-plus and the first pulls immediately indicated that this Macanudo does not resemble those that I have tried in the past. Of course, it was not a full-bodied powerhouse like a DPG Blue or the Firecracker, but it’s definitely at least medium-bodied. The bouquet nicely mixes sweetness, bitterness and spiciness. In the first third, the sweetness dominates but is progressively outshadowed by the spice as the second third sets in. At that moment, the cigar features some serious spice attenuated by earth and cedar notes. This is true until the very end of the cigar.

    Value : [rating:3.5/5]
    At $6 per single, this is not on the cheaper side as it’s advertised as a premium cigar. The Macanudo 1968 probably can’t be considered as a good deal, but I feel it’s rather worth the MSRP tag.

    Overall Rating : [rating:4/5]
    General Cigar achieved their goal of offering something more than a mild, flavorless smoke with this blend. Although it obviously can’t be compared to the top boutique cigars, it is a big step forward. I can easily see the Mac 1968 prompting novice cigar smokers to try something more powerful and flavorful.

    [sz]macanudo 1968[/sz]

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    • Z** C****

      My Review of the Macanudo 1968 Robusto

      The new Macanudo 1968 is a serious departure from one of the mildest cigars out there. Traditionally the Macanudos, made by General Cigar Co., are shunned by the aficionado, mostly because they taste like cardboard and hay. The Mac 1968 features a jet black Honduran Havana Seed wrapper and a spicy new blend. The guys at Empire Cigars assured me that this was not your grandfather’s Macanudo and was actually a surprisingly tasty cigar.

      I had punched it at first, but had to clip it as I got a lot of tar build-up from the start, this stick was very moist.

      Well, after the first two puffs I am definitely surprised at how good it is. Right of the bat it reminds me of an Illusione. It has a rich earthy flavor. It’s very robust and reminds me of a hamburger on the grill, with a charry meaty flavor, but also notes of bittersweet chocolate.

      What was very interesting was halfway down I picked up a hint of Macanudo flavor, I describe it as a slightly vegetal taste with a barnyard aroma. I find this strange but kind of cool at the same time, because even though this is way different than any other Mac, there was something there that reminded you that you were still smoking a Macanudo.

      The burn was uneven with a slightly flaky whitish gray ash. To the touch the cigar was spongy, and it got hot as I smoke it down. Two-thirds of the way down it turns a little sour and a little harsh, the whole thing seems rushed but has potential of becoming a really good cigar. But this was pretty good for a Mac no doubt!

      Rating: 86 (B)

    • T*****

      A bit disappointed by this one, impressive in size (the largest in diameter I had) but rather dull-tasting, I recommand getting another one …

    • S*****

      I have one that has been in my humidor since Nov. of 2008. I am looking forward to putting the torch to it this spring.

    • b*********

      Thanks for the clarification; good review.

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      I********

      It _is_ their best offering of late. As for the rating, I only give 4+ stars in value when I feel that the cigar is a really good deal, i.e. you get more than you paid for. 3-3.5 stars (like in this case) mean that you get a correct value for your money.

    • b*********

      It seems a bit incongruent, by definition, that you gave this cigar 4+ stars in every meaningful category, but only 3+ in value. I’m not a big Mac fan, but I feel that this is, with proper aging, their best offering of late.

    • S****** P

      Nice review. I am heading to the Macanudo Lounge in NYC this weekend. I may look to see if they have that on the menu.

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Cigar Region Dominican Republic
Filler Dominican Ligero, Nicaragua Ligero, Nicaragua Ligero
Wrapper Honduran Olancho San Agustin
Binder USA Connecticut Broadleaf
Length 5
Ring Gauge 50
Vitola Robusto
Construction Hand Made