Let's cut straight to this 3.5"x50 half corona that punches above its weight class. Priced at $135 for 24 sticks, the El Criollito packs Nicaraguan Criollo fillers and Mexican San Andres binder under an oily Ecuadorian Criollo 98 wrapper. Originally made for European markets, this Dominican-made short smoke now conquers U.S. humidors with its Cuban-style entubado rolling technique.
The pre-light sniff reveals damp earth and cured tobacco. Cold draw brings sweet raisin notes through the perfectly punched cap.
Initial puffs burst with cashew butter and cedar plank aromas. Smoke output stays moderate - no thick clouds here. The ash holds firm for first 15 minutes despite its petite size.
At 20-minute mark, transitions to roasted coffee beans and cinnamon stick. Retrohale stings slightly with white pepper zing. Burn line stays razor-sharp without touch-ups.
Last inch introduces leathery depth with maple syrup undertones. Nicaraguan filler shows teeth through subtle nicotine buzz at 45-minute mark. Stub ends clean without tar buildup.
Our test sticks humi-rested at 65% RH for 68 days. Wrapper oils intensified significantly post-30 day mark. Recommend minimum 45-day aging for flavor integration.
