Let's talk about the Montecristo Connoisseur Edition Chicago Toro - a 6x50 parejo that'll set you back $110.95 for 10 sticks. This medium-bodied beauty rocks an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper tighter than a Chicago winter, with Nicaraguan binder leaves and aged Dominican fillers that sing louder than a jazz trumpet in the Loop. Originally crafted as Windy City exclusives, these stogies became so popular they moved production to Dominican Republic in 2012. The double bands aren't just decoration; they're a love letter to Chicago's speakeasy era.
The cold draw whispers cedar and raisin. Lighting up releases a buttery smoke with baking spices - think nutmeg dusted on latte foam. The burn line stays razor-sharp, producing compact ash that holds for two inches.
At the halfway mark, Dominican fillers flex their muscle. Roasted coffee beans emerge, followed by unexpected floral notes reminiscent of Andersonville's spring gardens. The Nicaraguan binder adds black pepper that tingles without biting.
Approaching the nub, leather and dark chocolate dominate. Watch for slight tar buildup in last inch - common in parejos this size. Pair with bourbon to counterbalance the earthy finale.
The triple-cap head cuts cleanly with minimal fraying. Wrapper sheen suggests proper humidor storage - slightly oily but not glossy. Test draws reveal ideal resistance, neither plugged nor airy. Slow burn rate (75-90 minutes) makes this a proper after-dinner companion.
