Kicking off with the Don Diego Aniversario Toro - this celebratory 6"x54 parejo delivers a solid medium-full punch. Handrolled at the Tabacalera de García factory using Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper and aged Dominican/Peruvian/Nicaraguan fillers, this anniversary stick smells like promises of velvety smoke even before lighting. My sample had minor veins but impeccable construction with a perfect triple cap that cut clean as Sunday morning.
First Third: Immediate nuttiness (think almond skins) mixes with damp cedar notes. Draws easy with medium smoke output - no fighting here. Retrohale reveals hidden cinnamon sugar vibes that made my nose twitch pleasantly.
Middle Third: Creaminess emerges like latte foam, balancing the earthy core. Detected distinct changes when paired with espresso - suddenly those cocoa powder notes jumped forward. Burn line stayed razor-straight without corrections needed.
Final Third: Pepper spice makes a late entrance, more black pepper than chili heat. Developed faint leather tones that veteran smokers crave, though nicotine kick creeps up faster than expected - had to put it down at 1.5" remaining.
The Aniversario won't blow minds but executes consistency well. Perfect for when you want reliable smoke without analyzing every puff. That late spice surge adds needed drama - catches you off guard like plot twist in a Hallmark movie. Slight tar buildup at nub, but manageable. Box worthy? For $7/stick absolutely, though I'd age them 6 months to soften the mid-puff dryness.
