The Cohiba Riviera Toro rolls in with a hefty 6½"x52 box-pressed parejo shape that feels like punching above its $395.82/box price tag. This Honduran-made stogie wraps Mexican San Andres maduro leaf around a spicy Central American core, packing enough nicotine kick to make your afternoon espresso jealous. Let's see if this box-pressed beast lives up to the Cohiba gold standard.
The initial light punches through with black pepper spray and damp earth - classic Nicaraguan shock and awe. Smoke production stays modest despite the wide ring gauge. About half-inch in, the Mexican wrapper starts flexing its muscles with molasses sweetness that tames the Nicaraguan rough edges. Cold draw suggested chocolate, but actual combustion leans more charred oak with espresso crema texture.
At the 40-minute mark, Honduran fillers take center stage. Jamastran's dry fruit notes emerge as burnt orange peel and roasted cashew. The Connecticut binder becomes noticeable now with white pepper tingle on retrohale. Smoke density increases but requires deliberate draws - this isn't a self-burner. Ash holds firm in 1.5" segments when properly rested.
Approaching the band point, Esteli's volcanic soil character unleashes leather tannins and iron-rich mineral bite. The San Andres wrapper finally delivers its promised cocoa notes, though more 85% dark chocolate than milk. Retrohale gets spicy enough to water eyes slightly. Despite perfect construction, tar buildup creeps in at nub stage - better to ditch this one before the band.
The Riviera Toro works best as morning fuel paired with black coffee - its sweet/earthy profile cuts through caffeine bitterness nicely. Box-pressed shape feels substantial but doesn't improve combustion versus traditional parejos. While construction impresses (consistent burn line, solid ash), the flavor profile feels like a committee-designed crowd-pleaser rather than bold statement. At $20/stick, it's priced $5 higher than similar-tier options without delivering unique complexity.
