Let's talk about the La Aurora 115th Anniversary Belicoso - a 6¼" x 52 figurado that'll set you back about $10 per stick. This 2018 limited edition commemorates the Dominican Republic's oldest cigar factory's 115th birthday, sporting an oily Ecuadorian Habano wrapper that feels like it's been buffed with cocoa butter.
First Third: Immediate black pepper kick (the "wake-up call") softened by sweet cedar. Ash holds tight for 1½ inches before dropping. Draw's perfect right off the bat - no need for a perfecdraw tool here.
Middle Third: Where the magic happens. Nicaraguan fillers push through with espresso bitterness balanced by Dominican creaminess. Retrohale reveals hidden cinnamon notes. Burns razor-straight if you don't rush it.
Final Third: Leather and dark chocolate dominate. Strength ramps up - nicotine-sensitive folks might want to nub it at the 50-minute mark. Last puff leaves lingering roasted nuttiness that outlasts most morning coffees.
The Brazilian binder acts like a flavor traffic cop - keeps Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers from clashing. Box date matters here: 2018-19 production smokes better now than fresh rolls. Stores well at 65% RH - wrapper stays supple without oil bleed.
Pairing pro tip: Match its sweet/pepper balance with black coffee or a Zacapa 23 rum chaser. Not your morning smoke unless you've got time for flavor ghosts in your coffee cup.
