Macanudo cigars are, for many people, the first premium cigar they ever try. The brand began in Jamaica and later became a pillar of General Cigar, one of the biggest makers in the trade. For years it was the best-selling premium cigar in the United States. This profile covers its history, owners, factories, main lines and house style.
Jamaican roots
Macanudo started as a little-known brand made at the Temple Hall factory in Jamaica. Then, in 1969, General Cigar bought that factory and the brand came with it, according to Cigar Aficionado.
The early cigars used Jamaican tobacco. They took shape under Ramón Cifuentes, a Cuban cigar master who had left the island after the revolution. His guidance helped give Macanudo its smooth, gentle style.
The name itself is informal Spanish, used in parts of Latin America to mean great or excellent. That light, upbeat word suited a cigar aimed at easy enjoyment.
General Cigar and Scandinavian Tobacco Group
General Cigar is an American company founded in 1906. In 1961 a group of investors led by Edgar M. Cullman bought it, and the Cullman family shaped it for decades. Later, Swedish Match took full control in 2005. Then, in 2010, the business merged into Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG), a Danish company.
So Macanudo today belongs to General Cigar, which in turn belongs to STG. General Cigar is based in Richmond, Virginia. It also makes non-Cuban versions of several famous Cuban names for the US market, which can confuse smokers in Asia.
Where Macanudo is made
General Cigar moved much of its production to Santiago, Dominican Republic, from 1979. Today most Macanudo lines come from there. Our guide to Dominican cigars explains why Santiago became a cigar capital.
However, not every Macanudo is Dominican. For example, the Inspirado Orange is made in Honduras, and several lines use Honduran leaf. For background, see our guide to Honduran cigars.
Main lines of Macanudo cigars
Here are the lines most smokers know.
| Line | Wrapper | Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Café | Connecticut shade | Mild |
| Maduro | Connecticut broadleaf | Mild to medium |
| Inspirado Orange | Honduran | Medium |
| 1968 | Honduran | Medium to full |
| Emissary | Includes European-grown tobacco | Medium |
The Café is the classic. Its golden wrapper and Dominican and Mexican filler give a creamy, nutty smoke with a touch of spice. In contrast, the Maduro adds cocoa and molasses but stays gentle.
Inspirado Orange shows the brand’s fuller side. It earned a place in Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25 list for 2017. Meanwhile, the 1968 pushes further still, towards medium to full.
House style
In general terms, Macanudo stands for mild, smooth and consistent cigars. The classic lines are creamy and light, with cedar, coffee bean and nuts. Many smokers enjoy them in the morning or in hot weather.
In recent years, General Cigar has added bolder blends. As a result, the brand now spans a wider range than its mild image suggests, though few lines reach full strength.
Strengths and criticisms
On the plus side, Macanudo cigars are easy to smoke, well made and very consistent. The Café is a common starting point for newcomers. In addition, the brand’s huge output means steady supply in many markets. That scale also keeps the range in shape year after year, since big stocks of leaf smooth out poor harvests.
Still, the criticisms are familiar. Experienced smokers often find the classic lines too mild and simple. Others see Macanudo as a mass-market brand rather than a boutique one. Finally, the long list of newer lines can blur what the brand stands for.
Macanudo in Malaysia
Macanudo has very low search interest in Malaysia. Like most non-Cuban brands, it tends to be harder to find locally than Habanos. Its mild profile, however, may suit smokers who want a light cigar. A short Café, for example, fits a coffee break better than a large, strong Nicaraguan cigar. Our beginner’s guide explains how size and strength affect a first smoke.
Mild does not mean safe, so read our page on cigar health risks. Pale Connecticut wrappers are also delicate in humid air, so our guide on how to store cigars is worth a look.
Where to read more
- Dominican cigars: Santiago and Dominican tobacco
- Davidoff: another house known for mild cigars
- Cigar brands: every profile in our directory
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Macanudo?
Macanudo belongs to General Cigar Co., based in Richmond, Virginia. General Cigar has been part of Scandinavian Tobacco Group since 2010.
Where are Macanudo cigars made?
Today most come from the Dominican Republic, and some lines, such as Inspirado Orange, are made in Honduras. The brand’s roots are in Jamaica.
Are Macanudo cigars good for beginners?
The Café line is mild and smooth, so many people try it early on. Our beginner’s guide explains how to choose a first cigar and smoke it slowly.
What does Macanudo mean?
It is an informal Spanish word, used in parts of Latin America, that roughly means great or excellent.
