This Nicaraguan powerhouse in a golden-brown Habano wrapper demands attention. The Edicion Especial No 5 Belicoso measures 5.5"x52 with box-pressed figurado shaping, packing vintage fillers from Estelí and Jalapa under that oily Ecuadorian cloak. Priced at $230.63 per box of 25, it's My Father factory's 2020 reinterpretation of their 2008 classic - tighter rolled, bolder blended, dressed to kill in yellow-gold bands.
The triple cap cuts cleanly revealing a perfect draw. First inch delivers black pepper spray across the tongue with espresso ground bitterness. I clock 3 minutes before the harshness mellows into charred cedar planks and molasses - classic Nicaraguan punch tempered by that Habano wrapper's sweetness.
Mid-section shifts gear at the 30-minute mark: baking spices (nutmeg/cinnamon) emerge through the pepper haze. Watch for a distinct mineral note - like licking volcanic rock - that pairs oddly well with morning coffee. Smoke output stays moderate, no giant clouds here.
Final third hits hard. The last 2 inches amp up nicotine delivery with cocoa powder dryness and leather tannins. Despite perfect burn line, I nub it at 90-minute mark when tar buildup coats the throat. Not for lightweights.
Sampled 3 sticks from 2022 box. All maintained essential oils at 65% humidity. One had slight stem running through middle third - caused mild runner but self-corrected. Ash holds solid 1.5-2" segments. Box code indicates Estelí's Blending Room #5 rollers handled production.
Let these rest 6+ months if you get young boxes. The 2022 editions showed better balance after 8 months in my humidor - pepper recedes allowing more baking spice complexity. Pair with flat mineral water to accentuate the volcanic terroir notes.
