Let's talk about these pocket rockets - La Galera Habano Half Corona Tins. Packed in slick aluminum containers holding 5 cigars each, these 3.5" x 46 ring gauge stogies deliver Dominican firepower in a commute-friendly format. At around $5.77 per stick when buying a 25-count box, they're perfect for when you want bold flavors but only have 30 minutes to spare.
The initial puffs hit with black pepper spice that'll wake up your taste buds. Cedar and leather notes emerge through the peppery curtain, carried by medium-thick smoke that coats the tongue nicely.
Pepper transitions to espresso grounds and bitter chocolate as the Dominican fillers flex their muscles. Watch for occasional nutty undertones - cashew or almond depending on how the blend wants to play that day.
Earthiness dominates the home stretch with damp soil notes. Some tins show raisin-like sweetness here, others get mineral-heavy. The nicotine kick (solid ★★½) creeps up around this point - lightheadedness possible for fast puffers.
The Habano Ecuador wrapper feels slightly toothy - visible oil streaks under good lighting. Burn line stays relatively even considering the short format, though some canoeing happens with faster draws. Tight ash holds for about ¾ inch before dropping.
Best enjoyed with black coffee in the morning or as a post-lunch palate reset. The compact size makes it work in windy conditions too - just don't expect nuance. Makes a decent golf course companion if you don't mind relighting after water hazards.
