Macanudo

Macanudo stands as one of the most iconic and recognizable premium cigar brands in the world, renowned for its mild, approachable flavor profile and exceptional Connecticut Shade wrapper. Originally developed as an entry point for new cigar enthusiasts, the brand has evolved into a sophisticated portfolio offering both classic mild blends and more complex, full-bodied cigars. Macanudo's signature aged wrappers and meticulous craftsmanship have made it the best-selling premium cigar brand in the United States during the 1990s cigar boom. The brand represents the perfect balance of accessibility and premium quality, making it equally appealing to beginners and seasoned aficionados seeking refined, consistent smoking experiences.

Background

Macanudo's origins trace back to a small frontmark produced in Guatemala by the makers of Cuban Punch cigars, later becoming the property of Temple Hall, a Jamaican cigar-maker that produced Macanudo primarily for the British market. In 1968, General Cigar Company acquired the Temple Hall factory in Kingston, Jamaica, along with the Macanudo brand name, recognizing its potential for the American premium cigar market. Under the visionary leadership of Edgar Cullman and master blender Alfons Mayer, the brand was completely reimagined and relaunched in 1971 with a revolutionary approach featuring aged Connecticut Shade wrappers—a practice virtually unheard of at the time. The development was overseen by Ramón Cifuentes, a veteran of the Cuban Partagás brand, who brought his expertise to create the distinctive Macanudo blend. Production eventually moved from Jamaica to the Dominican Republic in 2000, where the brand continues to be crafted today under General Cigar Company's premium cigar portfolio.

History

In 1971, General Cigar, which had acquired rights to the name outside of Cuba, introduced a completely distinct Macanudo as a brand unto itself. It was developed in Jamaica under the leadership of Ramón Cifuentes, a veteran of Cuban cigar maker Partagas. Production shifted from Cuba after the revolution there in 1959, first to Jamaica, then to the Dominican Republic in October 2000. The Macanudo brand was perfectly positioned to take flight when the new renaissance of premium hand-rolled cigars began in the 1990s. Those of us who were lovers of the leaf way back when can remember what an exciting time it was and that Macanudo was leading the charge in many ways. In fact, they were the best-selling premium cigar label in the United States in the early 90s. We set out to create cigars that deliver a more complex profile, with intense flavors and sophisticated blends new to us and the industry as a whole. We evolved, and through that evolution, have arrived at a new identity altogether: a company with the experience to guide our unending innovation.

Reputation

For much of our history, Macanudo Café was a must-have cigar for beginners and experts, making us an icon in the industry. The name Macanudo became synonymous with the premium cigar and the brand maintained its acclaim as we entered the 21st century. It is noted for its mild flavor and light café (or claro) Connecticut shade wrapper, but is also available in a darker maduro wrapper, catering to a range of preferences among cigar aficionados. Macanudo is distinct in the company's portfolio, however, as it is the longest-tenured brand developed from its inception exclusively to satisfy U.S. consumers in the wake of the Cuban embargo.