Let's cut to the chase about this box-pressed toro from Crowned Heads. The F55 Toro measures 5.5"x55 with an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper, packing Nicaraguan filler in Dominican Republic craftsmanship. At $238.50 for 20 sticks, it's positioned as a mid-range daily smoke with Mediterranean heritage nods. The golden band against teal packaging gives it Instagram-ready visual pop.
The cold draw serves hay sweetness before ignition. Initial puffs deliver toasted almonds with faint black pepper tickle. Smoke output feels restrained - not a cloud chaser's pick. Ash holds solid inch-plus despite my shaky ashing technique.
At the band point, espresso grounds emerge alongside buttered walnut richness. I get why some complain about "sweet overload" - the caramelized sugar note lingers like candy apple residue. Burn stays razor-straight without corrections.
Nearing the nub, leather tones balance the sweetness. Nicotine kick remains polite (2/5 strength), though tar buildup whispers "stop now" at 45-minute mark. Last inch brings mineral water crispness - a welcome palate reset.
The box-press feels substantial without being harsh-edged. Wrapper shows minimal veins under oil sheen. My sample had ideal 65% RH after 3-week acclimation - zero tunneling issues. Draw resistance? Let's call it "conversational" tightness.
