For the fourth year in a row, Macanudo has a special limited edition cigar. This year’s edition is dubbed the Macanudo Mao Limited Edition 2016. While the previous three installments have focused on unique and rare tobaccos (including the last two years on Jamaican tobacco), this year the Macanudo Mao focused on the seed. The Macanudo Mao was showcased at the 2016 IPCPR Trade Show.

For this project, Macanudo identified some original Dominican seeds from the 1960s. The company embarked on a regeneration process of those seeds that it calls “Accelerated Regeneration”. During this process a team of agronomists regenerated the seed over eight growing seasons, spanning a four year period in two regions – the Connecticut River Valley in the United States and the Mao region in the Dominican Republic. By regenerating the seeds in two countries, the team was able to take advantage of two distinct and alternate growing seasons. The seeds were originally planted in Connecticut. After harvesting the crop, the team looked at the characteristics most important and took those seeds and replanted them in the Mao region; the next cycle went back to the Connecticut Valley, etc. This was repeated over eight cycles.

The regenerated Dominican tobacco is used as a significant part of the filler. In addition some Nicaraguan and Colombian tobacco was added to give some strength and sweetness. A San Andres Mexican binder was used and the cigar was finished with a U.S. Connecticut wrapper.

There are three sizes with a total of 1,800 boxes per size released. As in the past, each cigar is packaged in an individual coffin. There are ten coffins packaged per box. Each box is individually numbered and has a certificate of authenticity.

In a press release announcing Macanudo Mao, Jhonys Diaz, master blender and vice president of operations said, “Macanudo Mao is one of our finest examples of tobacco expertise to date. We began our regeneration experiments more than five years ago, and are extremely proud of our team of agronomists for bringing this exceptionally-flavored tobacco back to life.”

Macanudo Mao is expected to be in widespread distribution in September, 2016.

At a glance, here is a look at the Macanudo Mao Limited Edition 2016:

Blend Profile

Wrapper: U.S. Connecticut Shade
Binder: Mexican San Andres
Filler: Dominican Regenerated from Heirloom Seeds, Nicaraguan, Colombian
Country of Origin: Not Disclosed

Vitola Available

No. 10: 5 x 50 (SRP $16.00)
No. 11: 7 x 50 (SRP $17.00)
No. 12: 6 x 57 (SRP $18.00)