Let's cut straight to this Dominican-made beast - the Cohiba Black Supremo Toro comes packed in boxes of 25 with its 54 ring gauge and 6-inch length screaming "special occasion". At around $24 per stick, it's that luxurious friend you bring out when regular maduros feel too basic. The Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper shines like liquid obsidian, promising serious flavor density before you even light up.
The initial punches hit with black pepper and espresso grounds - classic Maduro opening. What's surprising is the sudden creamy undertone at the 1-inch mark, like a cappuccino foam layer softening the earthy core. Smoke output stays moderate, needing deliberate draws to keep burning even.
Here's where the Piloto Cubano binder flexes. The profile morphs into bittersweet chocolate territory with roasted almond nuances. I caught faint cinnamon spice around the retrohale - not the harsh kind, but that warm bakery aroma. Ash held solid past 2 inches before tapping off.
Leather and molasses take over as the cigar warms up. Watch for tar buildup after the 45-minute mark - a quick purge brings back the caramelized sweetness. The nicotine kick creeps up stealthily; newbies might want to pair this with a sugary drink.
This non-Cuban Cohiba flexes its Dominican roots through aged Piloto Cubano filler leaves. The San Andrés Maduro wrapper undergoes extended fermentation for that signature oily sheen. La Alianza factory's triple-capping technique shows in the flawless burn line - no canoeing despite the hefty 54 ring gauge.
Let these rest 6+ months if you can. My sample at 90 days humidor time already showed better combustion than fresh rolls reported in forums. Pair with black coffee or aged rum to amplify the cocoa notes without overwhelming the palate.
