Dive into the Garcia family's Nicaraguan legacy with this sampler featuring five iconic blends. Perfect for exploring My Father's craftsmanship without commitment, the collection showcases varying dimensions and wrapper treatments. I found the mix of classic and specialty shapes particularly useful for understanding their blending philosophy.
The No.1 Robusto opens with earthy coffee grounds and black pepper sparkle. Dry cocoa powder emerges through dense smoke output - typical My Father punch without being harsh. Cedar note in Cedro Deluxe becomes noticeable after 1cm of burn.
No.2 Belicoso shifts gear with roasted almond sweetness. Leather and cinnamon stick flavors develop, particularly in No.5 Toro which shows superior combustion quality. Watch for occasional uneven burn in Cremas' longer format.
Caramelized sugar peaks in No.3 Cremas, though some nicotine bite appears. Cedro Deluxe maintains creamy vanilla while No.1 develops mineral notes. Recommend stopping Toro at last inch to avoid bitterness.
All samples showed minimal veins with triple-seam caps. The Toro's broad foot required slightly longer toast time. Box-press on Belicoso enhances handfeel. Cedar sleeve on Deluxe adds aromatic dimension pre-light.
Balances best with aged rum (10+ years) or espresso. Avoid sweet cocktails that clash with inherent caramel notes. Morning smoke recommendation: Cedro Deluxe + Cuban coffee.