This Nicaraguan puro packs a celebratory punch in its torpedo shape - 5 3/8" long with 48 ring gauge. Designed for Pete Johnson's anniversary edition, it uses triple-seam Cuban-style construction wrapped in Ecuadorian Habano leaf. The blend hits like morning coffee with a nicotine kick, carrying maduro sweetness through its slow burn. At $9.90/stick, it's priced between daily smokes and special occasion cigars.
Pre-light sniff reveals barnyard musk with raisin undertones. The cold draw tastes like chewing on sun-cured tobacco leaves - earthy with subtle molasses.
Initial puffs deliver black pepper through the nose. The dense smoke carries charred oak flavors, transitioning to espresso crema sweetness by inch two. Burn line stays razor-sharp despite the tapered foot.
Pepper mellows as cocoa powder emerges. Retrohale shows roasted nuts and hickory smoke. Watch for tight draw when reaching the widest ring gauge - gently massage if needed.
Nicotine strength builds noticeably. Dark chocolate dominates with occasional licorice flashes. Smoke slowly here - tar accumulation can cause bitterness if puffed too fast.
The triple cap holds firm through multiple cuts. Box-pressed cigars arrive slightly squashed but bounce back after 48hrs humidor rest. Occasional tight spots require perfect draw tool (2/10 samples tested).
New boxes show aggressive spice. After 6 months: pepper integrates with developing caramel notes. At 18 months: reaches peak balance but loses some nicotine punch. Recommended smoke window: 3-12 months post-purchase.
