Macanudo and Scotch Pairings: Part II

February 10, 2016

Macanudo is one of this country’s best-selling premium cigars. Not only do its skilled crafters value quality and flavor above all else, but they also create a diverse array of options, each with a distinct flavor profile. So, when picking a nice Scotch to enjoy with your favorite Macanudo cigar, it’s important to consider these different profiles and pair accordingly. Here is our second set of Macanudo and Scotch pairings.

1. Macanudo Gold Label & The Macallan 15: Macanudo Gold is a very special line indeed. It features a unique, high-priming Connecticut shade wrapper that gives it that golden color. It also has a smooth, creamy flavor with a hint of sweetness. The Macallan 15 is a terrific Speyside Scotch with an equally smooth taste, along with hints of vanilla before a rich finish. This is a perfect pairing of an annual-release cigar and a flavorful vintage whiskey.
2. Macanudo Crü Royale & Lagavulin 16 Year Old: Crü Royale is a personal favorite of mine, and one of the fullest-bodied cigars in the Macanudo lineup. Crafted by master blender Benji Menendez with long-filler tobaccos from Brazil, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic, all covered by an oily Ecuador Habano wrapper. Its bold, spicy tastes combine well with an Islay Scotch such as Lagavulin, a whiskey is known for its zesty, strong taste. Be warned: this pairing is not for the faint of heart.
3. Macanudo Estate Reserve 2015 & The Balvenie Double Wood: Macanudo Estate Reserve is a limited edition that honors the origin of Macanudo. It features a rich broadleaf wrapper and a spicy Mexican binder surrounding rare Jamaican long-filler tobaccos. It has a flavorful mix of rich sweetness, cedar, and spice. The Balvenie Double Wood is aged in two different wooden casks—an oak whiskey cask followed by a period of maturation in a European sherry cask. It smooth and sweet with dash of cinnamon and spice.

And there you have it; you are now all set to match up your favorite Macanudo with some of the finest Scotch whiskeys in the world!