La Aurora Preferidos 1903 Edition Diamond Broadleaf Robusto hits with a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper that's darker than your ex's coffee order. This 5x50 box-pressed robusto feels hefty in hand, dressed in oily maduro wrapper with barely visible seams. The $210.60 price tag for 18 sticks positions it as affordable luxury among full-bodied Dominican blends.
The cold draw pushes earthy cocoa powder through tight airflow. First third punches with creamy cedar and blackstrap molasses sweetness - like lighting a campfire with sugar cane logs. Smoke texture stays remarkably smooth despite the nicotine kick.
Mid-section shifts gears with roasted almond skins and citric zap that makes your cheeks tighten. Dominican fillers shine through decaying wood notes, avoiding the muddiness common in Broadleaf blends. Ash holds firm past 1.5 inches without canoeing.
Final third gets serious - leather oil and black pepper enter through the nose. Nicaraguan leaf asserts itself with mineral tang resembling licking a wet stone. Retrohale stings like sniffing espresso grounds, though the body never turns harsh.
The triple cap unravels cleanly with no wrapper tears - impressive for Broadleaf's brittle nature. Burn line stays razor-thin when smoked slowly, though requires touch-ups if rushed. Draw resistance walks the line between "firm" and "plugged" depending on storage humidity.
This isn't your casual morning smoke - the nicotine punch will flatten newbies. Perfect for post-steak indulgence when you want flavor fireworks without chasing rare boutique blends. Stock up if you dig earthy profiles but hate paying Padrón prices.
