This Dominican puro comes packed in jars of 19 sticks with a $290.70 price tag. The 5½" x 54 figurado shape combines a gradual taper with decent heft in hand. Seven-year-aged Connecticut Broadleaf Rosado wrapper glistens with oily sheen, promising medium-full intensity without being overbearing. Let's break down what makes this Belicoso stand out in the crowded Connecticut Broadleaf market.
First Third: Cold draw serves black pepper spice that softens into milk chocolate upon lighting. Smoke texture feels weightier than typical Connecticuts. Retrohale introduces cedar planks and walnut skins - surprising depth for Broadleaf.
Middle Third: Jalapa tobacco in binder pushes through with roasted coffee bean bitterness. Burn line stays razor-sharp despite Broadleaf's reputation for canoeing. Dense ash holds past 1.5" before first tap. Occasional molasses sweetness teases but never dominates.
Final Third: Nicaraguan Criollo takes charge - charred meat umami mixes with black tea tannins. Lingering warmth in throat reminds you it's medium-full. Last inch turns leathery but avoids harshness if smoked slowly.
Abe Flores' Dominican factory rolls these with hybrid techniques - Nicaraguan ligero leaves get extra fermentation to tame strength. The Broadleaf wrapper undergoes seven years of sweating to develop pliability without losing essential oils. This aging process explains the smooth combustion despite thick veins visible under wrapper surface.
