Let's cut straight to this Dominican beauty - the La Aurora Preferidos 1903 Edition Platinum Cameroon Toro comes in 18-count boxes at $226.80. Measuring 5 3/4" with a 54 ring gauge, this parejo-shaped smoke sports an Ecuadorian-grown Cameroon wrapper that's become their signature. Medium strength doesn't mean mild here, just perfectly balanced for 90-minute sessions.
First Third: That Cameroon sweetness hits first - think dark chocolate shavings mixed with cinnamon sugar. Underneath lies an earthy base of roasted almonds and cedar woodsmoke. Burn starts slightly uneven due to the tapered foot but self-corrects quickly.
Middle Third: Flavor bombs start dropping - espresso grounds meet caramelized sugar crust from crème brûlée. There's this baking spice complexity (cardamom fans rejoice) grounded by mineral-rich soil notes. Smoke output doubles here - keep your ashtray close.
Final Third: Leather tones emerge but stay velvety, not harsh. The finish turns nutty with hazelnut spread richness, trailing off with honeyed whispers. Nicotine kick sneaks up here - newbies might want to stop at the 2/3 mark.
The oily Cameroon wrapper glistens - no need for perfect humidor conditions. While fresh boxes smoke well, aging 6+ months unlocks hidden baking spice layers. Pair with oaky chardonnay to accentuate the vanilla undertones, or go full contrast with sparkling water and lime wedge.
Construction-wise, these hold ash better than most Dominican counterparts. The triple cap withstands multiple relights if needed. At 54 ring gauge, the draw stays open without becoming airy - goldilocks zone for flavor concentration.
