Let's cut straight to this Dominican puro wrapped in fancy aluminum armor. The 1844 Reserve Corona Major sports a 5.5"x44 parejo format that's slightly slimmer than your average corona. At about $8 per stick in 21-count boxes, it sits comfortably in the mid-range price bracket for Dominican blends.
The cold draw brings sweet cedar and faint leather notes. Lighting reveals immediate coffee grounds with a dark chocolate undertone - way bolder than expected for Dominican filler. Smoke production's moderate, requiring deliberate pulls. Ash holds firm for over an inch.
Here's where it gets interesting. The Nicaraguan binder starts flexing with black pepper spice creeping onto the palate. Coffee transforms into espresso bitterness, balanced by unexpected raisins sweetness. Retrohale stings a bit - newbies might need Kleenex.
Last third amps up the nicotine. Earthy notes dominate with charred oak edges. Sweetness fades except on occasional tongue smacks. Burn stays even but watch the heat - tunnel risk increases past the band. Finish strong at 75-minute mark or risk tar buildup.
Daily smokers craving Dominican-Nicaraguan fusion. The tube packaging makes it practical for travel. Not ideal for mild smokers - that medium-full rating's no joke. Pair with bourbon or espresso to complement its earthy notes.
