Crafted by the legendary Garcia family, this Nicaraguan puro punches well above its $11.70/stick price tag. The 6"x54 toro comes dressed in an oily corojo wrapper that glistens like worn leather under good lighting. I'm always impressed by how this 20-count box delivers factory-consistent construction - every cigar feels like it could survive a cross-country road trip in your glove compartment.
The cold draw tastes like a carpenter's workshop - fresh cedar shavings mixed with almond skin bitterness. Initial puffs deliver black pepper that stings the tongue, followed by earthy undertones resembling wet river rocks. The thick smoke feels like chewing on a cinnamon stick dipped in espresso.
By the second inch, the pepper transitions into baking spices - imagine nutmeg-dusted dark chocolate. Retrohales develop a mineral tang reminiscent of licking a granite countertop. The burn line stays razor-sharp even when smoking faster than recommended.
The last third introduces charred maple syrup sweetness battling leathery tannins. Smoke becomes denser, leaving a sticky residue on the palate. Stopped at nub length when nicotine buzz started humming in fingertips - typical Garcia family strength warning applies.
