Nick Melillo's Charter Oak Especiales Pasquale comes swinging with a box-pressed 5½" x 48 frame wrapped in Connecticut Broadleaf. Priced at $11.70 per stick in boxes of 12, this Nicaraguan puro uses Jalapa binder and Estelí-Jalapa filler tobaccos. The soft press makes it feel chunkier than regular parejos, while limited quarterly releases (6,000 boxes max) keep 'em feeling semi-exclusive. Watch for that iconic oak tree carving on the wooden box lid - pure New England nostalgia meets Central American tobacco craft.
The initial puffs deliver textbook Broadleaf character - damp soil and fermented sweetness dominate. There's a distinct maple syrup tang riding over charred oak notes. Smoke production stays moderate, needing deliberate draws to keep combustion even. Ash holds tight for over an inch before flaking, revealing concentric burn rings.
At the halfway mark, bitter espresso emerges to balance the early sweetness. Black pepper creeps into the retrohale while the core flavor shifts toward dark chocolate-covered almonds. The Jalapa binder starts flexing with floral undertones, though the Estelí filler keeps things grounded in Nicaraguan earthiness.
Last third brings expected Broadleaf tar buildup, but manageable if you purge halfway. Red pepper flakes join the party, complementing lingering molasses notes. Strength ramps up noticeably - morning smokers might want to pair with sweet coffee. The nub stays cool despite the narrowing diameter, thanks to expert bunching at TABSA factory.
