Smoke Inn Blog
The Macanudo Emissary España marks a bold departure for the brand, introducing a unique blend featuring Spanish tobacco alongside Dominican, Nicaraguan, and Colombian leaves. This innovative cigar promises a sophisticated smoking experience with a touch of European flair.
Blend and Construction:
The heart of the Emissary España lies in its intriguing blend. A Dominican piloto binder holds together a core of five-year-aged Dominican piloto, six-year-aged Nicaraguan and Colombian tobaccos, with the star of the show being a Spanish tobacco from the Riolobos region known for its intensity and complexity. A Connecticut broadleaf claro wrapper, aged for five years, finishes the blend, promising a smooth and potentially sweet smoking experience.
Pre-light:
Visually, the Emissary España boasts a dark, almost cocoa-colored wrapper with a slight oily sheen. The cigar feels firm to the touch with minimal veins. The cold draw offers a surprising range of aromas – earthy notes mingle with hints of damp hay, toasted nuts (almonds in particular), and a subtle sweetness reminiscent of caramel.
The Smoking Experience:
First Third:
The first light reveals a flawless draw, producing a medium-bodied smoke with a surprising amount of complexity. Earthy notes and toasted cedar take center stage, quickly joined by a rich chocolate ganache flavor and a hint of cinnamon. The retrohale introduces a pleasant white pepper spice that lingers on the finish.
Second Third:
As the cigar progresses into the second third, the creamy texture becomes more pronounced. The chocolate notes remain prominent, joined by a subtle caramel sweetness and a touch of leather. The cedar continues to play a supporting role, offering a pleasant earthiness that balances the sweetness. The white pepper spice from the retrohale remains present but subdued.
Final Third:
The final third sees a subtle shift in the flavor profile. The chocolate notes recede slightly, allowing hints of espresso and a touch of floral sweetness to emerge. The cedar remains consistent, providing a grounding earthiness that balances the evolving flavors. The white pepper spice becomes more subdued, leaving a long and pleasant finish.
Overall Impression:
The Macanudo Emissary España delivers a truly unique and enjoyable smoking experience. The Spanish tobacco adds a layer of complexity that is both intriguing and well-integrated with the other leaves in the blend. The cigar offers a smooth and creamy texture throughout, with a flavor profile that evolves from rich and decadent to nuanced and balanced.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the Macanudo Emissary España:
- Strength: Medium
- Body: Medium-Full
- Flavor Profile: Toasted cedar, chocolate, caramel, almonds, espresso, white pepper spice
- Construction: Excellent (even burn, easy draw, ample smoke)
- Smoking Time: 1 – 1.5 hours (depending on the size)
Final Thoughts:
The Macanudo Emissary España is a cigar for the discerning palate. Its unique blend and luxurious smoking experience make it a standout choice for those seeking something beyond the ordinary. While the price point may be slightly higher than some Macanudo offerings, the quality and complexity of the smoke justify the investment. If you’re looking for a sophisticated and flavorful cigar with a touch of European intrigue, the Macanudo Emissary España is definitely worth a try.
