Let's cut straight to the chase - Rocky Patel's Tabaquero Robusto Grande isn't your everyday smoke. This 5x54 Nicaraguan puro punches above its $9/sticker price with San Andres wrapper hugging Brazilian and Mexican binders. You're getting Hamlet Paredes' fingerprints all over this blend, literally. The Cuban expat-turned-master-blender cherry-picked every leaf himself, packing 20 churchills per box that could pass for Havana's distant cousins. First draw gives away that signature Nicaraguan kick - not too harsh, but enough to make your taste buds sit up straight.
Cold draw hits with raisin sweetness before the flame kisses the foot. Initial puffs blast black pepper and charred oak - classic Nicaraguan hello. Smoke output's moderate but dense, leaving espresso grounds on the palate. Ash holds solid inch-plus, alternating between salt-and-pepper layers. Watch the burn line though - needs minor touch-ups if you're pacing slower than 1 puff/minute.
At the 25-minute mark, the sharp edges round out. Molasses sweetness elbows past the pepper, while toasted almonds and leather notes emerge. Retrohale reveals hidden cardamom spice. Body ramps up to medium-full - coffee drinkers will dig this phase. Smoke gets creamier but watch that nicotine buildup; pair with sugary soda unless you're nicotine-hardened.
Down to the last two inches, earth tones dominate. Think damp forest floor after rain mixed with bitter chocolate. Smoke turns warmer, carrying slight mineral edge. Tar accumulates faster here - smart to nub it around 50-minute mark. Aftertaste lingers with cedar and black cherry pit. Not the most complex finale but satisfyingly consistent.
Rolled at Rocky's TaviCusa factory in Estelí - same joint that pumps out 7 million sticks annually. These get extra fermentation love - up to 18 months bulk aging. Boxes ship with cedar spill but no fancy ribbons. Pro tip: Dry-box for 12 hours if yours came straight from humidor. The San Andrés wrapper tends to hold moisture like camel's hump.
