TOP TIER CIGARS - MCP ELITE SEPTEMBER 2022 – VIDEO RECAP | MY CIGAR PACK
A Different Lane, Same Destination
The Elite packs exist for a reason. They are not meant to mirror the standard subscription experience, and they are not designed to chase trends or mass appeal. Instead, they operate in a different lane altogether, one focused on depth, rarity, and cigars that reward attention.
September 2022 was one of those months where the Elite concept really showed its bones. There were logistical hiccups, branding decisions that required quick but thoughtful action, and a lineup that leaned heavily into legacy, craft, and intentional blending. Rather than glossing over the challenges, this recap embraces them, because they are part of what makes a curated experience feel human and honest.
Clearing the Air Before Lighting Up
Before getting into cigars, it mattered to explain why this Elite release landed later than expected. Two external factors influenced the timing.
The first was a branding transition. The Elite logo moved away from an eye based design to the tobacco flower inside the sun. This was not a cosmetic whim. It came after a respectful conversation with Illusione Cigars, whose owner raised a fair concern about unintended association. The adjustment was handled cleanly and without friction, which speaks volumes about professionalism on both sides.
The second factor involved distribution delays tied to Room 101, a brand navigating growth pains while scaling operations. Rather than forcing a compromised experience, the decision was made to push one cigar to the following month and replace it thoughtfully.
That context matters. Elite packs are built on trust, and transparency is part of the value.
A Milestone Worth Celebrating
The first cigar in the lineup carries weight, both literally and historically. The Manolo Quesada 75th Anniversary cigar is more than a commemorative release. It represents decades of contribution to the premium cigar industry.
Produced at the Matasa factory, this cigar honors nearly 50 years of work, relationships, and consistency. The experience is described as layered and distinctive, offering a profile that does not rush to reveal itself.
One of the most interesting elements mentioned is a subtle licorice like spice. This is not a common note and appears only occasionally in cigars. When it does, it tends to linger in memory more than on the palate. Complementing that are citrus peel nuances and a creamy, leathery foundation that grounds the smoke.
This is the kind of cigar that feels reflective rather than performative. It invites slow smoking and quiet attention.
Familiar Ground, Elevated Execution
The second cigar also comes from Matasa, underscoring how unintentionally cohesive the lineup became. This release follows previous Elite placements connected to the revitalization of the former Nat Sherman portfolio under new stewardship.
Here, the experience leans into richness and comfort. There is a baked sweetness described as dough like, paired with earthiness and a restrained herbal spice. It is not flashy, but it is deeply satisfying.
Cigars like this remind smokers why certain factories become trusted playgrounds for blenders. When relationships are long standing and creative freedom exists, consistency follows naturally.
When Cigars Meet the Wine World
One of the more concept driven inclusions comes from Ace Prime Cigars, blended by Luciano, whose background and interests extend well beyond cigars alone.
This particular release was designed with wine pairing in mind. Rather than chasing strength, it focuses on density, texture, and presence. The cigar is described as meaty, chewy, and herbal, qualities that lend themselves well to richer beverages.
What stands out is not the suggestion of a specific pairing, but the encouragement to explore. Wine and cigars share more common ground than they are often given credit for, and this cigar embraces that overlap without being pretentious.
It represents a growing willingness in cigar culture to cross boundaries thoughtfully.
The Allure of the Unknown, Done Right
Lost and Found releases have carved out a unique space in the industry. By design, they resist over explanation. This Elite pack inclusion continues that tradition.
This limited production cigar from 2018, reintroduced under the Lost and Found banner associated with Caldwell Cigar Co., leans heavily on trust rather than disclosure.
Instead of fixating on precise composition, the focus shifts to experience. Dried fruit, woody tones, nuttiness, and a lingering cinnamon character define the profile. There is also mention of a distinctive sour aromatic quality, not unpleasant, but intriguing.
This cigar exemplifies a broader trend in premium cigars. As certain producers earn long term credibility, smokers become more willing to follow them into the unknown, confident that the journey will be worthwhile.
Mexico’s Voice, Refined
Rounding out the Elite pack is Casa 1910’s De Oro from the Cavalry Edition. This cigar closely mirrors a version placed in standard packs, but with one key distinction. An additional tobacco in the blend subtly shifts the experience.
Rather than dramatic contrast, the differences show up as nuance. Cocoa and hazelnut tones become more pronounced, joined by leather, earth, and a gentle sweetness reminiscent of maple wood.
Visually, the wrapper stands out, described as resembling a milk chocolate bar. While appearance is never the point, it reinforces the sense of care and intention behind the cigar.
Casa 1910 continues to position itself as a thoughtful innovator, particularly in how it showcases Mexican tobacco within a premium context.
What This Elite Pack Really Represents
Taken individually, each cigar has merit. Taken together, they tell a larger story.
September’s Elite pack is about maturity. Not just in aging or blending, but in decision making. It reflects an understanding that premium cigar enjoyment is not about chasing novelty, but about curating moments that feel earned.
There is respect for legacy, openness to experimentation, and a clear refusal to rush. Even the delays and adjustments reinforce that philosophy.
Closing the Lid, Not the Conversation
Elite packs are not designed to please everyone, and that is precisely the point. They are meant to challenge, reward, and occasionally surprise.
September 2022 delivered on that promise. From anniversary tributes to boundary crossing blends, this was a lineup that asked smokers to slow down and pay attention.
And in a world that rarely encourages that, there is real value in lighting a cigar that does.