This box-pressed robusto from VegaFina sports a deep 5x50 frame wrapped in oily Mexican San Andrés Maduro. At $75.73 for 10 sticks, it's positioned as an affordable daily smoke with medium strength. The Fortaleza 2 features proprietary tobaccos from Dominican Republic and Nicaragua, blending earthy tones with classic Maduro sweetness.
First Third: Immediate black pepper kick with burning cedar aroma. Draws tight initially requiring multiple puffs to establish even burn. Cocoa powder emerges at 1cm ash mark.
Middle Third: Earthy coffee grounds dominate. Noticeable saltiness on lips with hints of roasted nuts. Smoke output increases - keep ashtray close for frequent ash drops.
Final Third: Sweetness spikes (think burnt caramel) but accompanied by rough retrohale. Tar builds up by final inch - most smokers stop at 40min mark. Body ramps up to medium-full.
Rolled at Tabacalera de García in DR using:
