This dark knight of cigars comes square-pressed in a 7x50 Churchill format. Priced around $6 per stick in 20-count boxes, the Onyx Reserve delivers serious bang for buck with its Nicaraguan-Dominican heart wrapped in Connecticut Broadleaf armor. Tabacalera de García's craftsmanship shines through the razor-sharp burn line - no canoeing here despite its box-pressed angles.
The initial draws hit with black pepper spice that quickly settles into a coffee grounds rhythm. Cedar notes emerge through the nose, while the dense smoke carries whiffs of burning hickory. Draw resistance sits just right - enough to slow you down without fighting.
Midway through, the Nicaraguan core flexes its muscles. Bitter cocoa dominates the palate with roasted cashew undertones. Smoke production stays generous - one puff every 90 seconds keeps the ember glowing strong. Watch the ash though - mine cratered slightly at the 1.5-inch mark.
The last act brings earthy loam flavors and a touch of licorice sweetness. Tar builds up noticeably in the final inch - reasonable for this price point. Retrohales gain white pepper zing that pairs beautifully with an espresso chaser.
The coal-black wrapper feels slightly bumpy with visible tooth - no major veins though. Triple cap holds firm during cutting. Burn stayed within 1/8" variance after minor corrections. Impressive considering the box press geometry and heavy ligero content.
