This beefy 6x60 stick from Oscar Valladares comes wrapped in actual tobacco leaves instead of cellophane - a rustic twist that's become their signature. Packing Nicaraguan maduro wrapper over Honduran binder/fillers, it's your classic dessert cigar on steroids. At about $10 per smoke, you're paying for the novelty factor as much as the tobacco.
The initial puffs hit with charred molasses and black pepper spice. Smoke feels dense but not heavy, leaving espresso grounds on the tongue. Construction holds solid - no touch-ups needed despite the mammoth ring gauge. Retrohale shows sweet tobacco core under the bold flavors.
Caramelized walnut emerges as the burn line progresses. Draw remains perfect, producing plumes of creamy smoke. Watch for nicotine buildup around the halfway mark - this gordo packs more punch than its "medium-full" rating suggests.
Earthiness intensifies with leather and dark chocolate notes. Sweetness drops off sharply at the nub, leaving bitter cocoa powder finish. Smart to quit before last inch unless you're chasing nicotine kicks.
Pre-light inspection shows thick veins in the Connecticut broadleaf wrapper. The tobacco-leaf packaging maintains perfect 65% humidity - no need for dry-boxing. Burn requires one correction in final third, impressive for 60-ring smoke.
Works best with black coffee or bourbon to cut through sweetness. Avoid sugary drinks unless you want cloying aftertaste. Smoke time averages 100 minutes - plan your schedule accordingly.
