Let's talk about the Crowned Heads Ozgener Aramas A52 Robusto - a box-pressed Nicaraguan puro that'll make you rethink what a $11/stick cigar can deliver. This 5x52 robusto comes rocking a Mexican San Andres Maduro wrapper with enough oil to fry an egg. Cold draw gives me cocoa powder and raisin notes, but wait till you light this beast up...
Immediate black pepper kick - the good kind that makes your tongue tingle without burning. Dark chocolate dominates with espresso undertones. Smoke output's thick enough to cut with a knife. Watch that burn line though - mine canoeed slightly at the 1-inch mark.
Peperoncini heat develops on retrohale. Earthy sweetness emerges like molasses-covered walnuts. The San Andres wrapper starts singing with leathery depth. Ash holds strong for 1.5 inches before dropping. Pair with black coffee unless you want nicotine nausea.
Bitter dark chocolate takes over with charred meat undertones. Retrohale gets spicy enough to make your eyes water. Smoke time clocks in at 75 minutes if you nurse it. Not for beginners - this stick demands respect and a full stomach.
The box-press feels dense but draws perfectly - no plugs in my sample. Triple cap holds up despite aggressive puffing. Wrapper stayed intact down to the nub. Humidify these at 65% RH max to prevent tight draws.
