This 6x60 gordo from Alec Bradley comes packed with Nicaraguan darkness in a box of 24 sticks priced around $246. The "Black Market" series lives up to its name with shadowy packaging that cigar novices might mistake for heavy metal album art. I'm holding this beefy parejo that feels like a roll of quarters wrapped in oily Brazilian Bahia leaf.
First Third: Immediate coffee bean bitterness punches through with black pepper kick. Smoke production's thick enough to fog a small room within three draws. The burn line stays razor-straight - no touchups needed.
Middle Third: Cedar wood emerges beneath the chocolate coating. My lips taste like I'm chewing on caramel-dipped lumber. Retrohale brings faint cinnamon heat without actual spice flavors.
Final Third: Nicaragua's volcanic soil comes through as mineral bitterness. Smoke turns drier, leaving parched leather aftertaste. Stopped at 1.5" nub due to nicotine buzz.
The triple cap holds firm through v-cut. 60-ring feels slightly underpacked - gentle squeeze reveals minor soft spots. Cold draw serves earthy prelude without distinct flavors. Ash holds 1.5" before dropping.
At $10/stick, it overdelivers compared to similar Nicaraguan puros. The flavor intensity justifies pairing with black coffee or bourbon. Not for mild smokers - best enjoyed after full meals.
