This Connecticut Shade lancero comes in glass tubes like fancy candy - just don't eat it. At 6.5"x44, this slim Dominican puro from Fuente's factory behaves surprisingly well for a thin stick. The golden wrapper feels drier than most Connecticuts but delivers that signature smooth draw Ashton fans crave. New dads celebrating with cigars might burn through a whole box before the baby's first diaper change.
Opens with dry hay and papery notes that make you check the humidor. Wait 10 puffs - roasted almonds emerge alongside that classic Fuente chalkiness. Retrohale shows white pepper but less than typical Dominican blends.
Develops breakfast vibes - black coffee with creamer and wheat toast. Burn line stays sharp despite the narrow ring gauge. Watch for slight tar buildup if you puff too fast.
Surprise leather note appears like someone left their jacket in the sauna. Sweetness turns slightly artificial - think aspartame aftertaste. Stops before bitterness at 1.5" remaining.
Morning smokers will dig the mellow start. Connecticut veterans might yawn through the first half. For cigar event giveaways or golf course sales, this tube-packed crowd-pleaser beats most mild options. Just don't expect Fuente's OpusX magic - it's more like their reliable cousin.
