Meet the Alec Bradley Black Market Robusto - a box-pressed maduro torpedo that'll make your taste buds sit up straight. This 6x50 Honduran puro comes in boxes of 24 at $201.96, packing Nicaraguan Corojo 99 wrapper around a gutsy blend of Panamanian and Honduran fillers. The oily dark wrapper isn't just for show; it's your first clue about the flavor storm inside.
First Third: That dark wrapper delivers immediate dark chocolate bitterness with a punchy black pepper kick. Smoke production's decent but not overwhelming - about 30% more than your average Connecticut.
Middle Third: Coffee grounds and cedar take center stage. The pepper backs off just enough to let caramelized sweetness peek through. Watch for occasional mineral notes that regulars swear comes from Jalapa's volcanic soil.
Final Third: Leather and roasted hazelnuts dominate as the nicotine starts flexing. About 60% of smokers nub it, while others bail when the char gets too ashy. Pro tip: pair with an espresso to counterbalance the intensity.
Newbies might find the first inch overwhelming - try dry-boxing for 12 hours first. The pigtail cap isn't just decorative; it actually helps with an even light. While it doesn't quite dethrone the Oliva V Maduro as the crowd favorite, it's become a solid late-night smoke for those who want flavor without breaking the bank.
