The Cohiba Connecticut Toro gives Dominican craftsmanship in a 6.5"x52 parejo format, priced around $475 for boxes of 20. This non-Cuban iteration uses an Ecuadorian-grown Connecticut Shade wrapper that's noticeably oilier than most, concealing a multinational filler blend that balances mild approachability with surprising depth for a CT stick.
The initial draws carry textbook Connecticut creaminess with extra body from the San Andrés binder. Cashew notes dominate while avoiding the grassy edge common in milder Dominicans. Combustion stays even without correction, producing medium-density smoke that coats rather than overwhelms.
At the 2" mark, the Jalapa leaf announces itself through white pepper retrohale. Baking spices emerge alongside developing leather tones - more Honduran in character than typical Dominican profiles. Burn line stays razor-sharp, ash holding firm in pale gray stacks.
Approaching the band point, the blend gains gravitas through earthy Mata Fina notes. Caramelized sugars balance increased pepper intensity without becoming cloying. Heat management becomes crucial past the 50-minute mark as tar accumulation accelerates.
Triple seams show tight rolling technique typical of General's premium lines. The golden wrapper feels pliant when squeezed, combustion aided by precise bunching. Some boxes show minor color variation between sticks - not a flaw but worth noting for storage purposes.
