Ryan Frank Rodriguez, owner of Ohana Cigars and Lefthand cigars, released his latest creation to the market in December of this year. Known as the High Maka Maka it is one of the more expensive cigars in the company’s portfolio. With a MSRP of $15.99, Ryan chose the Hawaiian name High Maka Maka which translates to Pretentious.
As for the full blend, it is described as bold multi-country blend with a dual binder:
- Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
- Binder: Ecuadorian (Habano), Nicaraguan (Habano)
- Filler: Nicaraguan (Jalapa, Condega, Ometepe)
Ryan noted:
“I chose the best wrapper, binder and fillers I could. The binders and fillers were aged for between two and four years and it took a year to develop the project.”
The Lefthand Cigars High Maka Maka is expressed in a single (6 x 52) Toro vitola and is produced at TacaNicsa in Nicaragua. This is the first time the company has used this factory.
The company also noted that this is a one-time release, and they have produced 5,000 total cigars. They held a release party at the Underground Cigar Lounge in Fort Worth, Texas which I was told was quite a success.
Pre-Light Examination
The Lefthand Cigars High Maka Maka is a rugged looking, dark brown cigar, that exhibits typical broadleaf marbling and some noticeable veins. The construction includes a well applied fan cap. The cigar is solidly packed from head to foot with just a slight give when pressed between the fingers.
The High Maka Maka is adorned with two bands. The primary band is a redesigned Lefthand Cigars logo. Based on feedback from consumers and retailers, the old logo has been replaced with two skeleton hands spelling out “L H” inside of a black diamond with a silver border. I really dig the new logo. A secondary gold and black band is placed just below the primary and identifies the cigar as the High Maka Maka.
Running the cigar along the nose I picked up sweet baking spice notes along the barrel while the foot presented a peppery note.
I straight cut the cap right across the shoulder of the cigar and proceeded to give it some cold draw puffs that were just fine to my liking and offered a growing pepper note increasing in intensity the more you cold puff. There was also a savory note akin to BBQ dry rubbed meat.
Using my fan flame Xikar lighter, I warmed the foot to an even orange glow and drew in the first puffs of heavy pepper notes. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Pepper wack to the nasals and palate to start the journey
- Pre-light savory notes slide quickly into the profile with an intensifying pepper
- Light grey ash forms on top of a thick wavy char line
- Ash has been getting flaky through the early journey
- Deep oaky notes develop
- Butter notes enter the profile deep in the first third
- Ash fell, revealing a decent burn cone
- Dried fruit notes enter with evolving spice notes starting in the second third
- Toasted bread aromas midway
- Roasted nut essence joins the mix deep in second third with a mild spice undertone
- Caramel notes add to the pleasure moving into the final
- The spice is proportionate, just right, down in the nub
- A mild fruity note re-enters the profile
- The complex and flavorful journey takes me deep into the nub
- This is a medium strength but full body cigar that likes to be smoked slow – so take your time
- Total Smoking Time was just north of 2 hours
Final Analysis
The Lefthand Cigars High Maka Maka journey begins with an immediate kick of pepper, both on the palate and in the sinuses, setting the stage for what’s to come. Pre-light savory notes quickly slide into the profile, soon followed by an intensifying peppery heat. Deep, rich oak notes develop early, grounding the experience. As the first third continues, buttery undertones make their entrance, adding a creamy smoothness to the flavor. As the second third unfolds, dried fruit notes emerge alongside evolving spice nuances, deepening the complexity. Midway through, toasted bread aromas mingle with the rich profile, offering a savory touch. By the deep second third, roasted nut flavors join the mix, underscored by a mild spice undertone. Moving into the final third, caramel notes sweeten the experience, elevating the overall profile. The spice remains balanced, perfectly proportioned, even as the cigar reaches its nub. A subtle fruity note reappears, tying everything together beautifully. The complex and flavorful journey carries on, pulling me deeper into the nub. This cigar is a medium strength, full-bodied experience that rewards those who take their time to savor each moment. Certainly, a box buy. I rate this a top 95.
Point Deductions: (-1) Wavy burn; (-1) Flaky Ash
Bonus Points: (+1) Complex and Balanced Profile; (+1) Pleasant Experience through multiple samples; (+1) Box Buy
