Let me introduce you to this little gem of the Dominican Republic: the Leon Jimenes Connecticut No.4. Measuring 5 9/16" with a 42 ring gauge, this corona-sized smoke comes in boxes of 10 sticks priced at $65.25. The silky Ecuadorian-grown Connecticut shade wrapper instantly catches your eye with its golden-brown complexion and visible oil sheen.
The initial third hits with creamy cashew butter notes, like someone blended roasted almonds with whipped cream. By mid-smoke, transitions to oaky undertakes with white pepper sparks - think sniffing a freshly opened spice cabinet. Final act brings subtle earthiness that's more campfire reminiscence than actual dirt.
Rolled at La Aurora (est.1903), this blend pays homage to the Leon-Jimenes family. The original recipe combines Dominican Piloto Cubano with aged Nicaraguan leaves - a trans-Caribbean collab wrapped in Ecuadorian Connecticut leaf. Fun detail: current master blender Guillermo Leon still uses his grandfather's fermentation techniques.
Morning coffee companions and post-dinner wind-down seekers. While veterans might crave more complexity, newbies will appreciate the consistent burn and approachable strength. Pro tip: dry-box for 6 hours if your humidor runs above 69% RH.
