Let's talk about the Connecticut Valley Reserve Azul Robusto - a 5x52 parejo that comes in jars of 19 sticks at $273.60. This Dominican puro wears a seven-year-aged Connecticut Broadleaf Rosado wrapper that shows up as oily medium-brown with faint tooth. The cold draw gives me sweet hay notes with that classic PDR construction feel - firm but not rock-hard.
The initial light brings thick smoke with black pepper zing on retrohale. Savory core of earth and barnyard settles into roasted nuts. Burns slightly uneven but self-corrects. Ash holds strong for first inch.
Pepper subsides to reveal coffee grounds and dark chocolate. Retrohale shows cinnamon sweetness. Smoke output increases - need to slow pacing. Draw tightens slightly around midpoint.
Leather and mineral notes dominate. Nicotine kick becomes noticeable at band point. Sweetness transitions to molasses-type character. Heat management crucial - turns bitter if rushed.
