Let's talk about this Nicaraguan puffer that's been turning heads since 2005. The Tatuaje RC No.3 Toro comes in a hefty 6.5" x 56 parejo shape, packing enough firepower to make your taste buds stand at attention. For about $12 per stick, you get My Father SA's craftsmanship rolled into a habano-wrapped torpedo that's seen some serious glow-up since its Retro Cuba days.
That pigtail cap gives way to an earthy explosion - think damp forest floor after rain. Black pepper kicks in around the 1" mark, but it's the cedar undertones that keep things interesting. Smoke production? Moderate but steady, like a well-trained exhaust system.
Here's where Pete Johnson's blend magic happens. The Nicaraguan core shifts gear into dark chocolate territory with espresso bitterness balancing the show. Watch for transitions every half-inch - one minute it's baking spices, next you're getting roasted cashews.
Brace for leathery undertones and a nicotine punch that separates rookies from veterans. The habano wrapper finally shines through with hickory smoke notes, though some report slight tar buildup past the band. Pro tip: purge when the sweet spot fades.
Not your dad's yardgar. This full-bodied beast plays well with bourbon drinkers and espresso hounds. If you dig Padrón's 1964 Maduro but want more pepper kick, here's your Friday night smoke. Newbies - maybe try the Robusto size first.
