My Father's La Antigüedad Toro Gordo hits shelves with a bold 6"x60 box-pressed frame, flaunting that classic Nicaraguan punch. Priced around $9 per stick in boxes of 20, this medium-full bodied beast wears an Ecuadorian Habano Rosado Oscuro wrapper over double binders - Criollo and Corojo leaves aged over 3.5 years. The ornate 19th-century Cuban-inspired band ain't just for show - it's a warning label for the flavor tsunami ahead.
That initial light punches with black pepper and roasted cashews, thick smoke coating your palate like espresso grounds. The burn line holds steady despite the massive ring gauge, throwing occasional cedar shavings into the mix.
At the midpoint, molasses sweetness elbows through the pepper curtain. Dark cocoa powder mingles with earthy undertones - think damp forest floor after rain. Watch for nicotine buildup; this is where novice smokers might tap out.
The last act brings smoldering leather and charred oak. Retrohales reveal baking spices - cinnamon stick meets nutmeg. Despite the intensity, the draw stays cool thanks to expert rolling. Finish strong or risk tar bitterness in the nub.
Box-pressed shape eliminates canoeing issues common in large ring gauges. Triple-seam cap holds firm through punch cuts. Dark wrapper shows minimal veins, slight oil sheen after 65% RH humidor rest. Budget 90+ minutes for the full ride.
