When that familiar broadleaf aroma hits your nose before lighting, you know this 7.5" x 38 parejo means business. At $9.90 per stick in 10-count boxes, it's the kind of cigar that makes you clear your schedule - this slender Nicaraguan puro wrapped in Connecticut broadleaf demands attention.
The cold draw punches you with black pepper and raisin sweetness. Initial puffs deliver dark chocolate nibs and espresso bitterness, the tight 38-ring gauge concentrating flavors like sun through magnifying glass. Smoke production stays modest - you'll want to retrohale to catch the cinnamon-spiked coffee notes.
At the 40-minute mark, the Nicaraguan core emerges with damp earth and cedar undertones. Savory elements start balancing the sweetness - think bakers chocolate melting on weathered leather. Burn line stays laser-sharp despite the oily wrapper, ash holding firm in compact gray layers.
The last third goes full maduro mode. Molasses thickness coats the palate with occasional licorice spikes. Retrohales bring firework displays of black pepper and hickory smoke. Strength builds progressively - by the nub you'll feel that familiar Nicaraguan buzz behind the eyes.
This stick rewards patience - drybox for 12 hours minimum. Pair with cold brew coffee to magnify the chocolate notes or bourbon to tame the pepper. Construction stays impeccable down to the finger-burning finale, though the narrow gauge might frustrate slow smokers. Not quite an everyday smoke, but perfect for when you want to taste every penny of that $10 price tag.
