Let's cut straight to this 6x54 grand toro - a seven-year-aged Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper hugging Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers. The jar of 19 format makes it perfect for regular rotation without breaking the bank at $307.80 per bundle. That San Andrés fermented wrapper shows up with the classic oily sheen we expect from PDR's maduros.
The cold draw gives wet earth and molasses notes. Initial smoke brings dark chocolate bitterness balancing sweet maple syrup undertones. Pepper stays muted - just a tingle on the tongue tip.
Cocoa transitions to espresso beans as the Nicaraguan ligero kicks in. Watch for occasional burnt caramel spikes that cut through the oak wood base. Smoke output doubles here - have your ashtray ready.
Leather and baking spices dominate while the sweetness fades. The last inch gets earthy with mushroom umami notes. No tar buildup surprisingly, but nicotine strength warrants caution for afternoon smokes.
The Jalapa-grown binder leaf does heavy lifting here - you'll notice its tea-like acidity cutting through the maduro sweetness. Abe Flores' Dominican Corojo 2006 in the filler contributes that signature leather punch. Let these rest 60+ days if you want the harshness in first third to mellow out.
