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Review: Macanudo Inspirado Black

John A Bold Blend From Macanudo

You’d be hard pressed to find an enthusiast who hasn’t sampled one of Macanudo’s many blends. You’d be even more hard pressed to find one who hasn’t at least heard of the brand during its nearly 50 year run. The brand started out in Jamaica in the late 60s, but moved to the Dominican Republic a few years later where it set down permanent roots. At first, the cigars were mellow and packed with flavor, making them accessible to a wide variety of palates. But as time progressed, so did enthusiasts Tastes. And, to keep up with demand, Macanudo began blending fuller-bodied cigars with bolder tasting notes.   

Macanudo’s latest creation may be one of its most innovative to date. Inspirado Black comes dressed in a dark and oily Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper which was ripened on the stalk. At the cigar’s core you’ll find a proprietary blend of fermented tobaccos grown in Estelí, Nicaragua. Well-constructed, this cigar has a rustic quality to it. But what really grabs me is the aroma coming from the tobaccos in this premium. They have an intoxicating smell of molasses and earth, reminding me of dried cherries. As soon as the cigar is lit, the flavor profile is striking, with notes of pepper, hay, and dried fruit at the finish. As the cigar progresses, the pepper nuances intensify, but they’re not overwhelming and the finish is nice and long. This may be my new favorite blend from Macanudo, simply because it offers so much complexity and spice. I would urge everyone to try Inspirado Black, but do so after a good meal. This cigar’s boldness took me a little off guard, but that’s not to say I didn’t enjoy the hell out of it.


Q & A: Finding the Right Light

Q.
Which is better, a torch lighter or a soft flame?

9/17/17 | by KAB From NC

A.

This is a debate that’s been had by many a cigar enthusiast since the invention of jet lighters. But the correct answer here is: it really depends on what you’re going for.

Torch lighters are great accessories that make quick work of getting your premium evenly lit. The drawback—even the most experienced enthusiast can char the foot of a cigar with the intense flame, and will more than likely lead to a burnt flavor.

While lighting a cigar with a soft flame takes longer, the chance of over lighting is slimmer. But, if you’re enjoying a premium outside on a windy day—getting any sort of light is impossible—which is where your torch lighter comes in handy.


by John

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