Let's cut to the chase about this Dominican puro - the La Aurora Original Blend Maduro 1985 Toro comes in 5.5"x54 box-pressed format, priced at $144 for 20 sticks. This maduro-wrapped cigar shows deep cocoa notes from the Brazilian wrapper leaf, blended with Nicaraguan fillers that give it some serious backbone. The oily wrapper glistens with that signature Dominican sweetness we cigar nerds love.
Right off the punch cut, expect black pepper spice punching through creamy smoke. The draw's slightly tight at first but opens up with roasted almond notes. Watch that burn line - needs a touch-up if you're smoking below 70% humidity.
The Nicaraguan fillers flex here with leather and woodsmoke. Coffee grounds bitterness balances the maduro's sweetness. Some testers report tar buildup past the halfway mark - keep your cutter handy.
Dominican earthiness takes over with mineral undertones. The retrohale gets spicy (think white pepper), though nicotine strength stays medium. Last inch gets harsh - better to put it down at 1.5" remaining.
Dry-box this stick for 12 hours if you get gurgle. Pairs stupidly well with espresso or Jamaican rum. The 1985 series benefits from 2+ years aging - fresh boxes can taste one-dimensional. Watch for box codes from 2018-2019, those are hitting prime now.
