A Macanudo Emissary With French Tobacco

First it was Spanish tobacco, now it’s French. When General Cigar Co. introduced the Macanudo Emissary España last year, it had the very unusual distinction of being made with Spanish tobacco. The newest Macanudo Emissary continues General’s global pursuit for international tobaccos with French leaf grown south of Bordeaux, an area known for wine. Called Macanudo Emissary , the cigars are shipping to retailers now.
“After the success of Emissary España, we knew we had high expectations to meet,” says Matt Wilson, senior brand manager for Macanudo. “Going to , with its incredible flavors and deep-rooted tradition of sophistication, felt like a natural next step. We were inspired by the richness and refinement that define French craftsmanship and set out to create a cigar that embodies those same qualities.”
Like the España line, Emissary ’s blend is framed around the uncommon tobacco—this time some filler leaf cultivated in southwestern from the Mugron River Valley. According to General, the varietal is based on a hybrid tobacco developed years ago in Paraguay. The remaining fillers are a combination of Dominican Piloto, Brazilian Arapiraca and Connecticut broadleaf. Holding them together are a Connecticut broadleaf binder and Ecuador Habano wrapper, both of which (General says) have been aged for 10 years.
According to the company, the cigars are medium-bodied in of strength.
The line is available in four sizes: Robusto, measuring 5 inches by 52 ring gauge ($14.99); Toro, 6 by 52 ($15.99); Churchill, 7 by 48 ($16.99); and Perfecto, 5 3/4 by 50 ($17.99). Made in Honduras at the HATSA factory, all sizes come in boxes of 16.
For a vertical brand tasting of Macanudo Emissary , see a future issue of Cigar Insider.
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