Let's kick it old school with the Oscar Valladares Super Fly Maduro Gordo - a 6.5"x60 beast wrapped in Mexican San Andrés maduro leaf. This box-pressed beauty comes 20 sticks to a bundle at $225, packing Honduran binder and a multional filler blend from Honduras, Nicaragua, and the DR. The retro hip-hop inspired bands aren't just flashy packaging; they hint at the bold flavors waiting inside.
The cold draw serves espresso beans dipped in molasses. Upon lighting, dark chocolate dominates with roasted nut undertones. Expect thick smoke output - this thing billows like an old Cadillac tailpipe.
Leather and cedar notes emerge, backed by cinnamon spice. The retrohale brings out black cherry tartness that cuts through the richness. Burn line stays razor-sharp despite the 60-ring gauge.
Black pepper kicks in hard, mingling with baking cocoa powder. Earthy undertones develop but stay balanced by honeyed sweetness. Gets nic-heavy past the band - rookies might want to put it down here.
Rolled in Danlí's Tabacalera Maya factory using traditional tripa techniques. The San Andrés wrapper undergoes extended fermentation to develop its signature sweetness, while Honduran Jamastran leaf in the binder adds structure. Gordo fans appreciate how the 60-ring gauge mellows the full-strength blend.
Perfect for backyard BBQs or late-night whiskey pairings. Newcomers to maduros get approachable complexity, while veterans appreciate the construction quality at this price. Just keep a sweet drink handy - that last third packs punch.
