When fine craftsmanship in the world of cigars meets the sophistication of winemaking, the result is nothing short of extraordinary. Macanudo, a name synonymous with premium cigars, has once again joined forces with Napa Valley’s renowned Flint Knoll Winery to unveil the Macanudo Estate Reserve Flint Knoll No. 2. This limited-edition cigar is a testament to the artistry of blending tobacco aged in wine barrels, promising aficionados a truly unique and unforgettable smoking experience.
A Symphony of Flavors: Aged in Wine-Infused Oak
The Macanudo Estate Reserve Flint Knoll Release No. 2 derives its distinct character from tobacco aged in French Oak barrels previously employed in the production of Flint Knoll’s acclaimed 2019 Royal Appointment Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2019 growing season in Napa Valley blessed winemakers with optimal conditions, resulting in a complex, fruit-forward wine with captivating spice notes. These barrel-aging nuances left their imprint on the French Oak, subsequently imparting their influence on the tobacco through a proprietary aging process.
Justin Andrews, the new business development manager for Scandinavian Tobacco Group, the proud owner of Macanudo, spoke about the innovative binder leaf aging process, saying, “Together with Jhonys Diaz, Yuri Guillen, and our blend development team at General Cigar Dominicana, we created a new method of aging binder leaf in wine barrels for Macanudo Estate Reserve Flint Knoll. It was a time and labor-intensive process, one that had us test binder varietals and aging durations. We ultimately achieved the complexity and nuances we were looking for in the smoking experience.”
Handcrafted Excellence: A Blend to Remember
Handcrafted in Santiago, Dominican Republic, at General Cigar Dominicana, the Macanudo Estate Reserve Flint Knoll Release No. 2 continues the legacy of the inaugural 2022 release. Crafted with precision, this exquisite cigar features a curated selection of six tobaccos from five countries. It starts with a silky Ecuador-grown Connecticut Shade wrapper leaf, chosen for its golden sheen. Beneath this wrapper lies a Connecticut Broadleaf binder leaf that underwent the unique barrel aging process, adopting the characteristics of the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon. When combined with a blend of Brazilian Mata Fina, Dominican Olor, Nicaraguan Jalapa, and Dominican Piloto Cubano, the result is a medium-bodied cigar that delivers a multi-dimensional smoking experience.
A Symphony of Flavors: Aged in Wine-Infused Oak
Flint Knoll’s Proprietor, Aaron Michaelis, explained the distinctive character of this cigar, stating, “By aging the binder leaf in our French Oak barrels, the complexity and spice of our 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon comes to life in a distinctive new smoking experience that’s spicier than the original release. Those who enjoy Macanudo Estate Reserve No. 2 should expect a cigar with notes of creamy vanilla, toasted almonds, dark currants, and cedar.”
Availability and Presentation
Macanudo Estate Reserve Flint Knoll Release No. 2 is set to make its debut in two sizes, becoming available through select retailers starting from its October 2nd release date. Each cigar is elegantly presented with white bands bearing deep embossing, complemented by copper filigree accents, and packaged in meticulously crafted wooden boxes containing ten cigars each.
- Macanudo Estate Reserve Flint Knoll No. 2 Toro (6” x 54); SRP per cigar $19.99
- Macanudo Estate Reserve Flint Knoll No. 2 Churchill (7” x 52); SRP per cigar $21.99
In the world of premium cigars, the Macanudo Estate Reserve Flint Knoll No. 2 stands as a testament to innovation, craftsmanship, and a harmonious collaboration between two masters of their crafts. Discover the artistry and complexity of this limited-edition release and embark on a journey of flavor that marries the worlds of cigars and wine in perfect harmony.
