Let's talk about this eye-catching figurado stunner celebrating Oscar Valladares' decade in the biz. At 7" long with a wild 52-60 ring gauge taper, the Salomon shape screams "special occasion". You're looking at $221.40 for 10 sticks - not exactly pocket change, but the dual Honduran/Mexican wrappers promise serious complexity. First light reveals why it's a celebratory smoke: that Nicaraguan filler blend starts whispering sweet nothings of cocoa and spice from the get-go.
The initial draws hit with dark chocolate shavings and burnt caramel sweetness. Smoke output feels medium-bodied - enough to satisfy but not overwhelm. Watch for sporadic pepper spikes that keep your palate awake.
Here's where the Honduran wrapper shines. Roasted coffee beans emerge alongside cedar notes, riding a creamy smoke texture. Burn line stays razor-sharp despite the irregular shape. Pro tip: retrohale gently to catch the hazelnut undertones.
Strength ramps up to full-bodied territory. Leather and earth tones dominate now, with occasional maple syrup flashes. Some testers reported slight tar buildup past the 90-minute mark. When the nicotine buzz kicks in, you'll know it's curtain call time.
Grown in Honduras' Jamastran Valley volcanic soil, these leaves soak up tropical humidity and mineral-rich terroir. The oscuro wrapper undergoes 18-month fermentation - twice the industry average. Master rollers spend 45 minutes per Salomon shape, a dying art in machine-rolled times.
