This box-pressed torpedo from Drew Estate packs serious firepower in its 6x52 frame. At $17.58 per stick (24-count boxes), the T52 Belicoso shows its pedigree through that telltale oily Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper hiding Nicaraguan guts. Seven blend iterations and two years of tinkering went into this medium-full smoke that somehow stays smooth despite its power.
Cold Draw: Cold draw serves damp earth and molasses with faint pepper tickle.
Initial puffs bring black pepper wallop that settles into espresso grounds and charred cedar. Thick smoke coats the tongue without harshness. Burn line stays razor-sharp despite the toothy wrapper.
Pepper subsides to reveal black cherry sweetness mingling with leather. Retrohale exposes baking spices - think nutmeg and allspice. Ash holds firm past two inches.
Strength crescendo: mineral notes emerge alongside dark chocolate bitterness. Last inch turns fiery with red pepper resurgence. Plan 75-90 minutes for full experience.
The magic happens at Drew Estate's Nicaraguan HQ where Esteli-grown ligero leaves meet Brazilian binder. That iconic dark wrapper undergoes 18+ months fermentation. Only 250 sticks roll daily - expect tight seams and uniform density throughout.
