Let's talk about the L'Atelier Trocadero Montaigne - a 6.25"x60 Nicaraguan powerhouse wrapped in Ecuadorian Habano leaf. This chunky parejo comes in bundles of 20 at $90.58, making it surprisingly accessible for its size. With mild-medium strength and dense smoke output, it's like smoking a flavor-packed chimney that somehow never overwhelms.
Cold Draw: Pre-light draw shows sweet hay through the triple cap, with slight resistance that predicts good smoke control.
Initial puffs deliver black pepper through the nose with damp earth undertones. Smoke production starts moderate - tight white ash forms in 1/2" segments. The 60-ring gauge feels substantial without being cumbersome.
At the 35-minute mark, transitions to leather and cashew butter. Burn line remains razor-sharp despite the large format. Retrohale reveals baking spices that pair well with coffee. No relights needed, though some canoeing occurs if smoked too quickly.
Last third develops creamy caramel sweetness but introduces mild tar buildup. Recommended to purge at 1.5" remaining. Total smoke time averages 85 minutes - impressive for non-pressed tobacco at this gauge.
The 60-ring gauge causes slight jaw fatigue after 45 minutes. Minimal nicotine buzz despite length. Best paired with sparkling water to cut through the dense smoke texture.
