Let's cut straight to this 6 1/8" figurado with its beefy 52 ring gauge. Priced at $215.55 per box of 25, this Dominican-made stick from Tabacalera de Garcia carries the legacy of those German banking brothers who accidentally revolutionized cigar storage with cedar boxes in 1844. The belicoso shape feels substantial between fingers, wrapped in that oily Ecuadorian Habano leaf that practically glows under sunlight.
Cedar planks and roasted almonds hit first, with this creamy undertone that makes you check if you accidentally grabbed a latte. The cinnamon sweetness here isn't dessert-level - more like someone waved a spice jar over the cigar.
Transitions into graham cracker territory with bitter cocoa powder edges. Coffee bean notes emerge but stay mellow - think dark roast left to cool for 20 minutes. Retrohale brings out caramelized sugar that sticks to your palate.
Earthiness barges in wearing leather boots. Black pepper sparks up without burning out, balanced by persistent cocoa aftertaste. Stopped at 85% as nicotine buildup started humming in the temples.
The textbook-perfect burn line made me suspect laser guidance. Ash held firm for 1.5" increments with that telltale layered gray pattern. Draw resistance? Let's call it a "thoughtful pause" between puffs rather than actual effort.
Morning smoke with black coffee still wins, though I'd argue it pairs better with afternoon espresso. Newbies appreciate its approachability while veterans keep it as reliable backup stock. 3 years aging potential max - any longer and you'll lose that nice tension between sweet and savory.
