This Nicaraguan puro surprises with its versatile 5x50 robusto frame - big enough for flavor development yet manageable for an hour-long session. I found the Ecuadorian Habano wrapper slightly toothy with visible oil spots, suggesting decent aging potential. At $7.56 per stick in 20-count boxes, it sits comfortably in the "affordable daily smoke" category for those craving Cuban-esque flavors without Cuban prices.
First Third: The cold draw gives dry hay notes. Upon lighting, sharp cedar dominates with black pepper tingle on retrohale. Combustion stays even despite the slightly firm draw. Smoke output feels moderate - neither billowy nor stingy.
Middle Third: Transitions to creamier textures around the 20-minute mark. Roasted almond emerges alongside leather undertones. I noticed tighter ash layers here, holding strong for 1.5" before dropping. The Nicaraguan fillers start revealing their Jalapa Valley sweetness through increased caramelized notes.
Final Third: Last inch gets more dynamic with espresso bitterness balancing previous sweetness. Some scorched wood appears if puffed too fast. Nicotine strength creeps up to medium-plus - manageable but advises against chain-smoking.
The triple cap held firm throughout, though the foot showed slightly looser bunching. Two samples from my box needed minor touch-ups in high humidity (75% RH). Aging potential looks promising - after 8 months in 65% humidity, the wrapper developed crystallized oil spots signaling maturation.
For Nicaraguan puro seekers avoiding $10+ price brackets, this delivers consistent results. While it lacks the complexity of higher-end Olivas like Serie V, the balance makes it suitable for golf course sessions or post-dwindle-hour smokes where full attention isn't required.
