Foundation's Charter Oak Maduro Grande smokes like a blue-collar worker in a tuxedo - a 6x60 parejo bursting with Connecticut Broadleaf muscle. At under $7 per stick in 20-count boxes, this Nicaraguan puro punches well above its price range. The dark chocolate wrapper feels slightly toothy, hinting at the earthy journey ahead.
Initial draws deliver espresso bitterness tempered by peanut shell earthiness. The thick smoke coats the palate like cold-press coffee, leaving traces of black pepper on retrohale. Burn line stays razor-sharp despite the 60-ring girth.
At the halfway point, charred oak and dark chocolate dominate. Occasional licorice sweetness emerges between puffs, battling the growing nicotine strength. Ash holds firm for 2" increments - impressive for such thick gauge.
The last third intensifies with leather tannins and mineral notes. Retrohales carry faint raisin sweetness while the body develops cigar box cedar. Stop before 1.5" nub to avoid bitterness.
Rolled at TABSA factory, these torpedoes show slight box-press from packaging. The triple cap peels cleanly, revealing perfect draw resistance. Box date codes show 6+ months aging potential - fresh smokes might taste slightly grassy.
