Let's cut to the chase with this Honduran-wrapped Dominican factory roll. The Cohiba Blue Toro (6x54 box-pressed parejo) positions itself as "entry-level luxury" at $12.41 per stick. My box arrived slightly veiny but sweating oil droplets - decent construction matching its mid-tier positioning.
The Honduran Habano wrapper delivers immediate pepper spray to the nostrils. Black coffee notes dominate, undercut by a weird sweetness like aspartame-spiked espresso. Medium smoke output, razor-sharp burn line.
At the 45-minute mark, the Dominican filler flexes - damp earth and charred meat emerge. The nicotine punch sneaks up, stronger than most Connecticuts but tamer than Maduros. Ash holds solid 1.5 inches.
Last third gets controversial: bitter cocoa nibs clash with lingering maple syrup undertones. The band removal tears wrapper - common complaint in online forums. I ditch it at 1" nub with mild nicotine headrush.
The Dominican/Honduran/Nicaraguan tri-blend explains its identity crisis. Jalapa Valley ligero brings the unexpected nicotine kick while Estelí seco leaves that dry cedar aftertaste. The Ecuadorian Sumatra binder acts as referee between warring flavors.
