This box-pressed Toro from Drew Estate demands attention with its imposing 6"×52 frame wrapped in Connecticut criollo-seed leaf. Marketed as the international counterpart to their US-exclusive 10th anniversary blend, it combines Nicaraguan/Honduran fillers with Mexican San Andres binder for a full-bodied smoke that's currently priced at $232.50 per 10-count box. The dense construction holds up beautifully - expect solid ash retention even when smoking outdoors.
First Third: Immediate black pepper kick transitions into bitter cocoa and mineral notes within five minutes. The dark wrapper delivers thicker smoke output than typical Liga Privada lines.
Middle Third: Roasted coffee beans emerge with burnt caramel undertones. Walnut sweetness balances the spice while cedar notes keep the profile from becoming cloying.
Final Third: Developed leather notes appear alongside milk chocolate creaminess. Some testers report needing to purge near the end due to nicotine accumulation.
Rolled in Estelí using Jamastran Valley ligero leaves for intensity. The Mexican wrapper undergoes 18-month maduro fermentation process, contributing to its dark color and oil content. These require minimum 6-month humidor rest to mellow initial harshness.
The triple-cap head shows impeccable rolling technique. Samples tested maintained 1"+ ash holds despite 65% relative humidity conditions. Box codes indicate these use 2018 vintage tobaccos, suggesting better aging potential than standard Liga lines.
