Let's cut straight to this figurado-shaped stogie. The Macanudo Maduro Diplomat comes in boxes of 25, priced at $182.83 - that's about $7.31 per smoke. Measuring 4.5" with a beefy 60 ring gauge, this Dominican-made cigar features an oily Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper that looks like it's been dipped in melted dark chocolate. Perfect for when you want maduro sweetness without committing to a Churchill-sized session.
First Third: Immediate coffee grounds and baking spices, with a subtle maple syrup sweetness that clings to your lips. Smoke production's moderate - no chimney effect here. The burn line stays razor-sharp if you keep the humidity below 65%.
Middle Third: Earthiness kicks in like damp forest soil, blending with semi-sweet chocolate notes. Watch out for occasional pepper spikes in the retrohale. Ash holds firm in inch-long segments.
Final Third: Leather and charred oak dominate as nicotine strength creeps up to medium-full. Sweetness fades faster than a Havana sunset. Ditch it before the last inch unless you're into asphalt flavors.
Pair with coffee or bourbon - the sweetness plays nice with both. CA gave it 90 points, but veterans might find it too polite. Stock up if you like consistent maduros that won't break the bank. Just remember: this is comfort food, not a flavor adventure.
