The Project 40 Maduro was introduced in 2020 as the darker companion to Alec Bradley's highly successful Project 40, one of the company's Experimental Series releases. Like the original, the cigar takes its name from the concept in positive psychology that roughly 40% of a person's happiness is determined by intentional actions and mindset. Alec Bradley built the line around the idea that enjoying a premium cigar is one of life's simple pleasures, creating an affordable blend that delivers quality without unnecessary complexity.

Rather than reinventing the blend, the Maduro version retains the Brazilian Habano binder and Nicaraguan fillers from the original Project 40 while replacing the Nicaraguan wrapper with a Mexican San Andrés Maduro. This single change gives the cigar a darker appearance and a richer, sweeter profile while maintaining the balanced, approachable character that made the original so popular. Handcrafted at J. Fuego Cigar Co. in Estelí, Nicaragua, Project 40 Maduro has earned praise for offering premium construction and flavor at an exceptional value.