Let's get straight to this Honduran roll - the H. Upmann 1844 Anejo Toro comes in boxes of 25 sticks costing $204.02. At 6"x54 ring gauge, this parejo-shaped stogie blends Ecuador Habano wrapper with PA broadleaf binder and aged filler tobaccos from three countries. "Anejo" means old-school aging, and they ain't kidding - every leaf here's been marinating for minimum five years.
Cold draw gives damp earth vibes. Initial puffs deliver espresso bitterness with hickory smoke undertones. The burn line's slightly wavy but self-correcting. Watch that dense ash - holds over inch before dropping.
Now the Pennsylvania broadleaf shows teeth. Leather and black pepper dominate, with retrohale introducing baking spices. Smoke output doubles here - perfect for rings. Needs occasional purge to maintain flavor clarity.
Cocoa powder emerges through nasal exhale. Last inch brings unexpected licorice sweetness battling lingering charred oak. Not for nicotine lightweights - I tapped out at 1.5" remaining.
The dark wrapper feels slightly toothy with minimal oils. Triple-seam cap unravels clean. Draw resistance sits at Goldilocks zone - not too tight, not airy. Burn time averaged 85 mins with proper pacing.
