Let's talk about the Charter Oak Habano Toro - a 6x52 Nicaraguan puro wrapped in Ecuadorian Habano leaf. Priced at $126/box of 20, this medium-strength toro delivers Connecticut heritage in every puff. The rustic-looking stick feels heavier than expected, with faint barnyard aroma from its TABSA factory roots. First impressions? Promising construction with tight seams and minimal veins.
The pre-light taste hits with damp earth and Brazil nuts - surprising sweetness beneath the rugged exterior. The cold draw shows perfect resistance, boding well for smoke production.
Initial puffs explode with black pepper that settles into roasted almonds. Retrohale brings jalapeño-like heat without harshness. Burn line starts razor-sharp while producing medium smoke output. Watch for occasional canoeing if rushed.
At the inch mark, transitions to creamy coffee with cinnamon spikes. Leather notes emerge alongside raisin sweetness from the Sumatra binder. Ash holds strong in 1" chunks. Tip: Pair with black coffee to accentuate the cocoa undertones.
The last act gets interesting - charred oak and baking spices take over with increased nicotine punch. Retrohale reveals unexpected floral notes before ending on espresso bitterness. Stop at 1.5" remaining to avoid tar buildup.
This Jalapa Valley-born smoke punches above its price point. While not as refined as high-end Habanos, it's perfect for backyard BBQs or golf course sessions. The retrohale alone justifies keeping a box in rotation. Pro tip: Dry-box for 48 hours to optimize burn consistency.
