Villiger 1888 Nicaragua Coronita serves up Nicaraguan tobacco wrapped in an Ecuadorian Sumatra-Seed leaf. This box-pressed corona measures 5¾" with a 43 ring gauge, priced at $144 for 20 sticks. After resting my sample for six weeks in 65% humidity, the dark wrapper showed minimal oil with firm construction - no soft spots detected during the squeeze test.
The cold draw reveals damp earth and fermented tobacco notes. Initial puffs deliver black pepper through the nose with toasted cashew undertones. Smoke output stays moderate - about 30% less voluminous than typical Nicaraguan puros. Ash holds firm for the first inch before flaking.
Pepper fades as molasses sweetness emerges at the halfway point. Retrohale detects baking spices reminiscent of cinnamon rolls, though the 43 ring gauge limits flavor intensity. Burn line remains razor-straight without corrections needed.
Last third introduces mineral notes with increased nicotine presence. Noticeable tar buildup at the 50-minute mark forces an early conclusion. Post-smoke aroma leaves faint leather traces on fingers.
Blend combines Estelí's peppery ligero, Jalapa's sweet seco, and Ometepe's volcanic soil-grown viso. The Pennsylvania broadleaf in filler adds dark fruit nuances without overwhelming Nicaraguan base. Fermentation period lasts 18 months - shorter than premium counterparts but sufficient for smoothness.
