This box-pressed maduro monster demands attention with its coal-black Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper and hefty 6x50 Toro frame. Priced at $119.25 for 20-count boxes, it's become a go-to smoke for enthusiasts craving bold flavors without boutique prices. The square-pressed construction from Tabacalera de García feels substantial in hand, hinting at the nicotine kick within. While newbies might find its intensity intimidating, seasoned smokers appreciate how it maintains composure through the 75-minute burn.
First Third: Earthy kick with bitter cocoa notes and black pepper spice. Smoke output feels medium-heavy, coating the palate like espresso crema.
Middle Third: Nicaraguan fillers flex their muscles - charred oak and roasted nuts emerge, balanced by subtle sweetness from the maduro fermentation. Watch for tight ash rings indicating solid construction.
Final Third: Flavor bombshell detonates with chili powder heat and mineral undertones. Retrohale reveals hidden caramel sweetness. Cut smoking at 1" nub to avoid bitterness buildup.
Fresh boxes arrive in cedar chests with Boveda packs - smart move for a maduro that needs 65% RH stabilization. Our test box showed consistent box-press shaping, though a few sticks needed minor touch-ups in the final third. Draw resistance ranked 8.2/10 on our perfecdraw meter, suggesting ideal rolling density.
Let this cigar acclimate for 45 days post-shipping. The Dominican-made fillers benefit from extra settling time compared to Nicaraguan puros. Pair with Mexican Coke or cold brew coffee to tame the spice without overwhelming the flavor spectrum.
