The Casa Magna Colorado Box-Pressed Gordo Real demands attention with its box-pressed 60-ring girth and 6¼-inch frame. This Nicaraguan puro packs Jalapa-grown Ligero Colorado leaves in a rustic wrapper that glistens with oily promise. At about $11 per stick in 20-count boxes, it's surprisingly affordable for a Cigar Aficionado Top 25 regular.
The cold draw brings damp earth and barnyard. Initial puffs deliver heavy espresso bitterness with charred meat undertones - typical Plasencia ligero punch. Smoke production surprised me; thick plumes despite the tight box press. Ash held solid for 1.5 inches.
At the 30-minute mark, sweetness emerges through the leathery core. Distinct molasses note appears alongside baking spices (cinnamon/nutmeg). Retrohale stings with white pepper, though less harsh than EP Carrillo Pledge variants. Burn line stayed razor-sharp without corrections.
Nicotine creep becomes noticeable past the band. Flavors intensify into dark chocolate and mineral-rich soil profiles. Last inch brought unpleasant tar buildup - classic Gordo format issue. Finished at 2h15m, pairing well with Mexican Coke's sweetness cutting through the strength.
The triple-seam cap peeled cleanly with a straight cutter. Wrapper showed minor tooth but no visible flaws. Draw tension leaned tight - common in box-pressed cigars. Smoke output actually improved after the first third, contradicting most Gordo experiences.
Priced 20% below similarly-rated Nicaraguan puros, this sticks out for experienced smokers wanting boldness without boutique prices. The 2008 COTY pedigree shows in consistent construction, though flavor complexity lags behind newer releases like Foundation Olmec.
