Let's talk about this beefy 7x54 double corona from Foundation Cigar Company - the Tabernacle Havana Seed CT No.142. At $288 for a box of 24, it's positioned as a premium daily smoke rather than special occasion material. The Connecticut-grown Havana Seed wrapper (fermented for 3 years!) gives this Nicaraguan puro its distinctive oily sheen. I'd call it medium strength with enough body to satisfy veteran smokers without punching you in the throat.
The cold draw serves up damp earth and molasses. Initial puffs bring campfire char with a cinnamon sugar rim - like smoking a perfectly charred marshmallow stick. Smoke output feels restrained despite the large ring gauge. Watch for uneven burns if you rush the lighting.
At the 2-inch mark, the cigar finds its groove. Baking spices dominate - think allspice and nutmeg with hickory-smoked meat undertones. The retrohale develops white pepper zing without nasal burn. Ash holds strong in 1.5-inch segments when properly rested.
Last third introduces espresso grounds and dark chocolate bitterness. The nicotine buzz creeps up subtly around the 90-minute mark. Some tar buildup occurs in the final inch - common for this vitola. Pair with flat root beer to cut through the intensity.
The triple-cap shows meticulous rolling technique. Wrapper veins run parallel to the length, indicating skilled bunching. Draw resistance sits in the Goldilocks zone - enough tension for slow burning without strenuous pulls. Box code dating shows 18-month age before shipping.
