This Lancero stunner from La Galera Cigars rolls in at $176.30 for a box of 20, measuring a skinny 7 1/4" x 38 ring gauge. The Ecuadorian Habano wrapper glows like polished copper over Dominican fillers, giving off serious "special occasion" vibes without the premium price tag.
First third hits with warm roasted almonds and dry-aged leather notes. Burn stays razor-sharp through the initial 30 minutes, producing dense smoke that's easy on the nostrils. Midway develops cracked black pepper that'd make a steak rub jealous, mellowing into brown sugar sweetness by the final third. Watch for slight tar buildup in the last inch - better to ditch it early than power through.
Pulled straight from my humidor after 45 days rest at 65% RH. Cap clipped clean with a double-blade cutter - draw resisted slightly but opened up after first ash drop. Paired with dark roast coffee to cut through the mid-smoke spice. Smoke time clocked 1hr 15min with two touch-ups. Not a beginner's stick despite the medium label, that final third nicotine creep catches lightweights off guard.
