Let's talk about the La Aroma de Cuba Pasion Churchill - a 7"x49 Nicaraguan puro rocking a shade-grown wrapper. Priced at $298.12 for 25 sticks, this box-pressed churchill delivers exactly what you'd expect from a Pepin Garcia creation: bold flavors wrapped in deceptively smooth smoke. The pastel green bands add a nice pop against the oily espresso-colored wrapper, though serious smokers care more about what's inside those neatly packed boxes.
The cold draw serves up raisin sweetness. Initial puffs deliver black coffee bitterness balanced by creamy cashew notes - classic Garcia flavor math. Smoke output leans moderate, with tight white ash holding strong for the first inch. Retrohale amps up the white pepper without crossing into harsh territory.
Earthiness takes center stage at the halfway mark. Dark chocolate emerges alongside charred oak undertones. Watch for occasional tar buildup near the cap - quick purge helps maintain flavor clarity. Draw stays perfect despite the box-press shape, burning razor-straight without touch-ups.
Last third brings the "Pasión" namesake heat. Leather and mineral notes dominate, with cayenne pepper zing on the tongue. Strength creeps into full-bodied territory - newer smokers might nub it early. Savory umami finish lingers like a good espresso shot.
Rolled at My Father's Estelí factory, these use shaded-grown wrapper leaves from Namanji's unique microclimate - that's where the velvety smoke texture comes from. The blend combines Jalapa's sweet leaf with Estelí's trademark power. Pro tip: These age beautifully - stash a box for 6 months to mellow the final third's intensity.
