Let's cut straight to this Dominican firecracker. The La Galera Maduro Chaveta Robusto packs a 5x50 frame wrapped in oily Mexican San Andrés leaf, priced at $148.76 for 20 sticks. First impressions? That chaveta-cut cap means business - like a barber's straight razor translated to cigar form. Medium-full body hits quick, though these babies benefit from 30 days humidor time to mellow the initial punch.
Cold draw brings damp earth and licorice. Initial puffs explode with black coffee grounds and raw cacao. Smoke output's decent though not cloud-chasing levels. The San Andrés wrapper leaves a sticky-sweet residue on lips - no drink needed for moisture.
Piloto Cubano filler takes charge here. Baking spices (clove, allspice) cut through the sweetness. Retrohale stings slightly but rewards with roasted almond notes. Ash holds tight for 1.5 inches before first tap.
Nicotine punch becomes noticeable around nub time. Charred oak and molasses dominate as combustion heat rises. Smart to purge at 15-minute mark - avoids the bitter finish some San Andrés sticks develop.
Out of two boxes sampled, 3 sticks needed relights despite 65% RH storage. Wrapper veins more visible than your average Fuente, but that's the trade-off for thicker San Andrés leaf. Triple cap stays intact down to fingernail-length nubs.
