This box-pressed toro from La Galera immediately grabs attention with its square press and Ecuadorian Habano wrapper glowing like polished mahogany. Measuring 6"x54, the Dominican puro comes in boxes of 21 sticks priced around $208. Master blender Jochy Blanco's decades of tinkering shine through - think of it as a medium-full bodied symphony where Dominican Criollo 98 binder conducts Piloto Cubano fillers from Cibao Valley's volcanic soil.
First Third: The closed foot needs proper toasting before releasing black pepper spray. Mineral notes like licking a wet stone emerge alongside dark roast coffee bitterness. Smoke production stays moderate but dense.
Middle Third: Transition brings sweet relief - charred cedar and baking spices dance around a core of 70% dark chocolate. The box press helps maintain razor burn line despite 54 ring gauge.
Final Third: Earthiness takes over with composted leaves and walnut skin dryness. Strength builds noticeably - nicotine-sensitive smokers might want to stop at 1.5" nub. Retrohale reveals faint cinnamon stick sweetness.
The triple cap survived punch cut cleanly. Box pressing creates firm resistance, requiring slower draws. Minimal wrapper veins observed, though some 2022 boxes showed minor humidity fluctuations causing tight spots.
