This chubby 3 3/4" x 54 stick from Oliva's NUB line reimagines the Robusto format with its cartoonishly short proportions. The Connecticut Shade wrapper barely contains Nicaraguan binder/fillers in this self-proclaimed "sweet spot seeker" - perfect for that 45-minute coffee break. At under $8/stick in 24-count boxes, it's become a gateway cigar for rookies drawn to its nutty core and creamy retrohale.
Pre-light: Golden wrapper glistens with light oil. Cold draw offers sweet hay and pencil shavings - classic Connecticut cues. The dense pack feels like squeezing a stress ball.
First 1/2" (15 mins): Immediate cream bomb with roasted almonds. White pepper tickles the nose on retrohale. Burn line stays razor-sharp despite 54-ring gauge.
Middle Third: Shifts to cashew butter and cinnamon toast. Smoke output doubles, filling the mouth with velvety texture. Draw remains effortless, no relights needed.
Final Stretch: Toasted wheat notes emerge alongside faint earthiness. Last inch brings subtle white chocolate sweetness but watch for nicotine creep - better to quit early than power through.
This Nicaraguan puro uses Connecticut Shade wrapper aged under cheesecloth tents - a process creating thin, elastic leaves perfect for mild blends. Binder/fillers from Estelí and Ometepe add structure without overpowering. TABSA factory rollers pack extra ligero in the head to ensure immediate flavor ignition.
