Let's cut to the chase about this 6.25"x56 Toro from Crowned Heads' La Vereda line. Packing Nicaraguan Jalapa tobacco in both wrapper and binder, with Dominican/Nicaraguan filler leaves aged up to 4 years, this box-pressed beast comes in 20-count black wooden coffins at $392.40 a pop. The Perez-Carrillo factory's 7 master rollers put serious work into these sticks - dark oily wrappers hugging densely packed tobacco that'll make your humidor smell like a cedar closet on steroids.
The initial punch hits with black pepper and charred oak - classic Nicaraguan muscle. Smoke production's medium-heavy, but watch that burn line; these need regular purges to stay sharp. Retrohale reveals unsweetened cocoa powder and a mineral bite that clings to the teeth.
Flavors mellow into bitter espresso grounds and burnt caramel sweetness. The Jalapa wrapper starts shining through with faint floral notes I only get in well-aged Nic leaf. Ash holds strong inch-plus, though construction varies - some boxes smoke perfect, others need touch-ups.
Here's where the 56 ring gauge tests your stamina. Tar buildup kicks in around the last 2 inches unless you clip the cap. Leather and wet earth dominate with nicotine strength that'll buzz newbies. Pair with black coffee or bourbon to cut through the intensity.
Built for seasoned smokers who want Nicaraguan terroir without subtlety. The extended aging process tames some roughness while keeping that raw power EP Carrillo fans crave. Not a morning cigar - save this heavyweight for post-dinner sessions where you've got 90+ minutes to commit. First-time buyers might grab singles before splurging on full boxes due to construction inconsistencies in recent batches.
