Let's talk about this Nicaraguan sandwich-style stogie that's been turning heads in the boutique cigar scene. The Tabacos Baez Serie SF Toro brings some serious Cuban-inspired swagger with its 6"x50 frame wrapped in Habano leaf. At $70.20 for 20 sticks, it's punching way above its price class, especially when you consider it's rolling out of Pepin Garcia's My Father factory.
That dark, oily wrapper isn't just for show - it's packing a slow-burning party that lasts a solid 75 minutes. Let me walk you through the smoke session:
Cold draw gives black pepper with damp earth notes. Initial puffs bring maduro-like sweetness surprising for a habano wrapper - think molasses-covered walnuts. Smoke production's medium, but dense enough to fog up your patio. Ash holds strong at 1.5".
Here's where Pepin's magic kicks in. The short fillers reveal why they're here - quick flavor shifts from dark chocolate to cedar planks. Retrohale stings with white pepper, but settles into cinnamon toast crunch territory. Burn line stays razor-sharp without touch-ups.
Last two inches get serious. Nicaraguan ligero tobacco flexes with espresso bitterness balanced by sudden caramel flashes. Smoke turns creamier despite ring gauge narrowing. Full nicotine kick arrives at nub time - not for empty stomachs.
Store these at 65% RH max - that oily wrapper tends to hold moisture. Pair with Mexican coke to balance the pepper, or go wild with a bourbon aged in rye barrels. Pro tip: let them rest 3 months post-shipment for optimal combustion.
