Macanudo

Macanudo is one of the most iconic cigar brands in America, introduced in 1971 by General Cigar under the guidance of Cuban cigar veteran Ramón Cifuentes. Known for its signature Connecticut Shade wrapper and mild, refined flavor, Macanudo was the best-selling premium cigar in the US.

Key Facts

The Story

Macanudo was introduced in 1971 by General Cigar, which had acquired the brand name through its purchase of the Temple Hall factory. Developed in Jamaica under the leadership of Ramón Cifuentes — a veteran of the Cuban Partagas brand — Macanudo was carefully crafted for the American market using Dominican and Jamaican fillers, Mexican binder, and Connecticut shade-grown wrapper. Mass advertising drove the brand to become the best-selling premium cigar label in the United States by the early 1990s, a position it held for decades. The Macanudo Café, with its signature light Connecticut Shade wrapper and mild flavor, became the entry point for countless cigar smokers. Production shifted from Jamaica to the Dominican Republic in October 2000, where it continues today. The brand has expanded well beyond its mild origins with lines like Macanudo Inspirado (medium-full bodied), M by Macanudo (coffee-flavored), and various limited editions, while the classic Café line remains a perennial bestseller.