Let's kick things off with the Don Diego Classic Grandes - a 6"x52 Toro that's been rolling out of Tabacalera de García since the 1970s. This Dominican puro combines an almond-hued Connecticut Shade wrapper with aged Dominican binder/fillers, priced at about $5.3 per stick in 25-count boxes. The mild-bodied smoke shows why it's lasted half a century in humidors worldwide.
First third delivers that classic Connecticut Shade creaminess with baking spices and cashew butter notes. The draw opens up nicely after 1/2 inch, producing cool white smoke without needing frequent relights. Watch the burn line around mid-point - tends to canoe slightly unless rotated every 5 puffs.
What makes this cigar stand out is the triple fermentation process on the Dominican Olor binder. The Connecticut Shade wrapper feels slightly toothier than typical Macanudos, with visible tooth extending past the band. Box code shows 18 months aging pre-shipping - decent for the price point.
