This 6x58 box-pressed giant from the Dominican Republic celebrates La Aurora's heritage with its oily Ecuadorian Habano wrapper and Cibao Valley-grown filler. At $310.50 for 20 sticks, the Gran Toro version delivers 90+ minutes of evolving flavors - medium-strength smoke perfect for pairing with afternoon coffee. Don't let the anniversary tag fool you - the slightly box-pressed shape actually improves combustion consistency in this chunky format.
The first third opens with baking spices - think nutmeg dusted over cedar planks. Combustion stays razor-straight despite the 58 ring gauge, producing medium-density smoke that feels airy on the palate. By the midpoint, bitter cocoa emerges alongside roasted coffee beans, with a faint caramel sweetness lingering on the retrohale.
Final third brings earthy transitions - damp soil and black pepper notes crescendo while maintaining balance. Watch the nicotine kick around the last inch - novice smokers might want to nub it earlier. The triple-seam construction holds firm throughout, ash holding strong in 1.5" segments.
The Colorado-maduro wrapper shows minimal veins with visible oil sheen when tilted toward light. Pre-light aroma mixes barnyard funk with molasses sweetness - typical of well-aged Dominican puros. Draw resistance sits in the Goldilocks zone: enough tension for flavor concentration without requiring correction.
