La Aurora's Original Blend Corojo 1962 Cetros comes in a 6 3/8" x 41 parejo format, packaged in boxes of 20 sticks priced at $135. This Dominican puro showcases their signature corojo wrapper grown in Cibao Valley volcanic soil. The medium-strength smoke requires about 70 minutes to nub, burning cleanly through its three stages with minimal touch-ups needed.
First Third: Opens with white pepper zing (7/10 intensity) through the nose, transitioning to roasted cashews. The draw opens up after 1/2" with cedar notes and 65% cocoa chocolate undertones. Smoke production averages 20-25 visible puffs/minute.
Mid Section: Secondary combustion brings 80°F warmth to the palate. Distinct marzipan sweetness (3/10 sugar level) balances the developing espresso bean bitterness. Ash holds firm at 1.5-2" segments with slight canoeing on windward side.
Final Third: Mineral notes emerge at 45-minute mark accompanied by baking spices - primarily Saigon cinnamon. Requires 3 purge puffs to eliminate slight tar buildup. Strength ramps to medium-full in last 15%, nicotine hit comparable to 5mg nicotine gum.
Sample tested after 28 days in 65% humidity environment. Wrapper oils diminished slightly during acclimation. Recommend dry-boxing 4 hours pre-smoke to optimize combustion. Box date code "MAR23" showed adequate fermentation - 18 months aging potential.
