Cigar of the Week: Macanudo Gold Label

Today’s smoker is rushing after taste. The fatter and heavier the cigar, the better. But it wasn’t always this way.

For decades, American smokers were derided by their European counterparts for the many brands of light-bodied, vapid cigars that were so popular in the U.S., many of which had green (candela) wrappers. But thanks to its restrained, mild flavor, ultra-consistent quality and a strong promotional campaign, Macanudo became the nation’s leading premium brand soon after it was introduced in its current form in 1971.

Reasonably priced and easy to enjoy anywhere, Macanudos were unquestionably on the mild side, but not without character, in a mellow and relaxed style. It was almost unthinkable that there could be an even milder Macanudo.

But then-General Cigar owner Edgar Cullman decided in 2002 that while everyone else was introducing heavy-bodied battlewagons, he was going to create an even milder, more delicate Macanudo. He combined light Connecticut-grown wrappers from the first and second primings with the usual Macanudo blend for a delicate, slightly sweeter taste than the standard Café line, and the Macanudo Gold Label was born.

The question was whether anyone would care.

The answer was a thunderous "Yes." Even milder in body than the Café blend, but exquisite in the delicacy of its creamy taste, sweet finish and the perfection in construction that creates a perfect draw, the Gold Label is about as good as a mild-bodied cigar can be.

In fact, the subtleties in taste found in the Gold Label often cause smokers who are new to the brand to work the cigar harder to bring out more of the flavor. Don’t be fooled; give the Gold Label its due and allow it to work its magic in a relaxed and attentive setting; that’s when you’ll enjoy it the most. In two different CigarCyclopedia.com tastings over three years, this cigar has earned grades of "A+: Outstanding" and "A: Exceptional."

Because the Gold Label blend is so dependent on having exactly the right wrapper leaf, it’s offered only in limited production and is sometimes hard to find. But it is also made in a nice selection of seven sizes ranging from the tubed Hampton Court (5 1/2 inches by 42 ring) up to the 7-inch by 49-ring Lord Nelson.

The Gold Label isn’t a bargain, either, but it’s reasonably priced, from a low of $6.10 for the Shakespeare (6 1/2 x 45) up to $7.20 for the Lord Nelson and the Crystal, a 5 1/2-inch by 50-ring robusto in a glass tube. Interested? The best way to introduce yourself is probably a box of the Crystals, offered in boxes of eight cigars for a retail price of about $58.00, not including local tobacco and sales taxes.

For those who enjoy cigars with a discreet taste and a clean, easy smoke, this version of the famed Macanudo brand may not be as good as gold, but it’s the next best thing.

(Rich Perelman is editor-in-chief of www.CigarCyclopedia.com, offering comprehensive daily coverage of cigars, accessories, issues, people and prices at www.CigarCyclopedia.com.

Rich Perelman

12/10/07

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