This Nicaraguan puro from Crowned Heads screams "dessert course for cigar lovers" with its 54-ring gauge and chunky 5.5-inch robusto format. Rolled at My Father's Estelí factory, the dark Ecuadorian Habano wrapper glistens with oily promise, capped by that signature pigtail twist. At $13.50 a stick, it's positioned as an affordable luxury - the kind of smoke you break out when regular maduros feel too pedestrian.
First Third: Immediate black pepper sparkles across the tongue, mellowing into espresso grounds and 70% dark chocolate. The retrohale brings baking spices - think nutmeg dusted on a cappuccino foam.
Middle Third: Sweetness emerges as caramelized banana flambé, layered over charred cedar planks. Smoke output thickens noticeably, leaving clinging vanilla residue on the palate.
Final Third: Earthiness intensifies with damp loam notes, balanced by lingering molasses sweetness. Watch for abrupt nicotine kick around the last inch - newer smokers should dock early.
Crafted in My Father's Estelí facility using tobaccos aged 2+ years. The blend combines Jalapa's sweetness with Estelí's spice, wrapped in Ecuadorian Habano grown under cloud cover for slower leaf maturation. Limited annual production maintains consistency - look for boxes stamped with "Pichardo Entubado" rolling method designation.
