Connecticut Shade wrapper is the key to the success of Macanudo. The popularity of this smooth, sweet smoke is that it’s so rich in flavor. From seed to harvest, Macanudo’s Cigar Master Daniel Nuñez, is in charge of every Macanudo Connecticut Valley Shade crop. None other than Nuñez personally is permitted to select which of the choice first and second priming wrapper leaves are selected for Macanudo Gold Label. It is the first and second primings of the Connecticut Shade wrapper leaf, the thinner, lighter, golden brown leaves that retain more of the natural sweetness, that is a product of less sun exposure. This then is the Connecticut Valley Shade wrapper, one of the world’s most carefully nurtured tobaccos that is combined with a meticulously blended combination of vintage San Andres and Piloto Cubano binders and fillers to produce the renowned Macanudo Gold Label.

Even though the 2000 Connecticut Shade crop was among the best harvests in years, still the number of first and second priming leaves meeting Nuñez’ exacting standards was small, well under half a million for distribution worldwide with no guarantee of more to come.