The Flor de las Antillas Maduro Corona hits like a velvet hammer - 5⅝" of box-pressed Nicaraguan goodness with a 46 ring gauge. This My Father creation comes in boxes of 20, carrying just enough muscle behind its Maduro disguise. The Ecuadorian Habano wrapper glistens with fermented wisdom, whispering promises of cocoa-dusted espresso shots and forbidden woodshop aromas.
First Third: Cold draw serves roasted almonds dipped in light molasses. Initial puffs release cedar shavings and baking spices - think cinnamon toast with demerara crust. Smoke output stays polite, neither billowy nor anemic.
Middle Third: The party starts when ash reaches nickel length. Cocoa powder emerges alongside Cuban coffee bitterness, balanced by sudden walnut sweetness. Retrohale brings wet limestone minerality - that distinct Nicaraguan terroir poking through.
Final Third: Maduro magic activates at the band point. Leather oil notes join charred maple wood, while a licorice-like sweetness lingers on lips. Watch for tar buildup past midpoint - suggests slower pacing for optimal enjoyment.
The box-press feels deliberate rather than cosmetic. Triple seams hide beneath oily wrapper leaf. Testers showed minimal relights despite Maduro density - average burn time clocked 68 minutes. Cap withstands standard guillotine cut without unraveling.
