The Don Julio Sang Bleu Gordo immediately grabs attention with its beefy 6x58 frame dressed in blue-and-gold finery. This box-pressed Dominican puro packs a punch of complex flavors while maintaining surprising approachability. At around $15 per stick in 24-count boxes, it's positioned as a premium yet accessible smoke for connoisseurs seeking something substantial.
The initial puffs deliver bold pepper spice that tingles the tongue, mellowing into cedar notes halfway through the first inch. Expect a thick, milky smoke output that feels weighty without being harsh. The burn line stays razor-sharp, though the tight pack requires occasional touch-ups.
At the halfway point, dark chocolate and roasted coffee flavors dominate. Subtle cinnamon sweetness emerges to balance the earthy core. The draw loosens slightly, releasing creamy caramel undertones. Watch for nicotine kick - this is where the medium strength starts flexing.
The last third amps up leather and black cherry richness. Some smokers report slight tar buildup near the nub, but most enjoy the consistent flavor profile. Total smoking time averages 90-110 minutes - pace yourself unless you're nicotine-hardened.
Rolled in Tabacalera Don Julio's Dominican factory, this cigar uses estate-grown tobaccos from Cibao Valley's mineral-rich soil. The wrapper specifically comes from sun-grown Corojo plants cultivated under proprietary methods developed over three generations of the Reyes family.
