Let's talk about the Charter Oak Maduro Toro - a 6x52 parejo-shaped stogie packing Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro magic. Priced at $126 for 20 sticks, this Nicaraguan-made smoke carries enough heft to satisfy Maduro lovers without emptying your wallet. I've been keeping these in my humidor at 65% RH for about six weeks, and they're burning like champs.
The initial light reveals damp earth and molasses sweetness. Smoke production starts modest but builds steadily. By the first inch, dark cocoa nibs emerge with faint black pepper tingle on retrohale. Burn line stays razor-sharp without touch-ups.
At the midpoint, the Sumatra binder flexes its muscles - think espresso grounds and charred hickory. There's distinct fermented tobacco tang that Maduro fans crave. Ash holds firm in one-inch chunks, though some canoeing appears in breezy conditions.
Approaching the band point, leather and mineral notes dominate. Nicotine strength creeps up to full territory. While the flavor doesn't "wow", it maintains remarkable consistency. I nubbed mine at 75 minutes with minimal tar buildup.
Rolled at TABSA in Nicaragua, this blend honors Foundation's roots in Connecticut tobacco culture. The Broadleaf wrapper undergoes 18+ months fermentation, while the Nicaraguan fillers provide earthy backbone. That Jalapa/Estelí combo creates the signature balanced combustion we're tasting.
