Meet the Saga Short Tales Tomo III L.I.V. - a 4.25"x42 petit corona that's punching above its weight class. This Dominican puro rolls up Brazilian Viso and Dominican Piloto Cubano tobaccos under an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, delivering floral-woody notes with sneaky tobacco sweetness. At $153.45 per box of 25, it's your new special occasion smoke with better construction than most budget sticks.
The cold draw serves wet cedar and white pepper. Initial puffs bring floral notes that hit like walking through a botanical garden - jasmine up front, honeysuckle underneath. Smoke production's modest but silky. Retrohale reveals walnut skin bitterness that'll make coffee lovers perk up.
Woody notes shift from cedar to oak plank as the burn line passes the band. The Brazilian Viso tobacco kicks in - think dark roast coffee grounds with a splash of caramel. Watch for occasional spice spikes (black pepper, not chili heat) that keep your palate awake.
Last inch gets earthy - damp soil and leather binder come through. Sweetness transitions from caramel to brown sugar, but never cloying. Ash holds firm to the nub without tar buildup. Total smoke time: 45 minutes if you're savoring, 35 if power-puffing.
The Ecuadorian wrapper feels thicker than most Habanos - slight tooth, minimal veins. Cap cuts clean with a v-cutter. Draw starts tight but opens up after the first ash drop. Burn requires one minor touch-up halfway through. Expect thick smoke rings even on casual puffs.
Morning coffee pairings or post-dinner with a oaky Chardonnay. Too complex for yardwork, not intense enough for whiskey pairings. Keep your torch lighter handy - the thicker wrapper needs proper toasting to avoid canoeing.
