Straight out the ruby tube comes this medium-bodied stunner from the Dominican Republic. La Aurora Preferidos 1903 Ruby Maduro Robusto flexes a 5x50 frame wrapped in Brazilian Arapiraca maduro leaf - oily to the touch with that classic fermented sweetness. You're basically getting three countries in one stick: Dominican binder, Cameroon/Dom fillers, and that chocolate-hued Brazilian cape. At around $12 per cigar in 18-count boxes, it's dressed to impress without breaking the bank.
The cold draw serves up damp earth and molasses. Lighting reveals instant coffee grounds and black pepper spice - nothing subtle here. Smoke production stays moderate, with cedar notes emerging after the first half-inch. Watch that burn line though, needs occasional touch-ups.
By the second inch, transitions get interesting. Savory leather takes over as dominant note, backed by baking spices (think nutmeg and clove). Retrohale brings dark chocolate bitterness that balances the sweetness. Ash holds strong in one-inch chunks.
Last third amps up the nicotine punch. Charred oak and Brazil nut flavors dominate, with lingering cayenne pepper tingle on the lips. Some faint floral hints try to break through but get overwhelmed by increasing tar. Better to nub it before the final inch.
Rolled in Santiago using 15+ year veteran rollers. The Brazilian wrapper gets 18+ months fermentation, explaining its oily sheen. Dominican fillers from Cibao Valley bring that signature smoothness - classic La Aurora house style. Box code hunters note consistent production from 2020 onward.
