Kicking off with the Rocky Patel The Edge Maduro B52 - a thick 4.5" x 60 parejo that's basically a flavor hand grenade. Priced at under $8 per stick in 30-count boxes, this Honduran roller features a 5-year aged Nicaraguan core wrapped in Costa Rican Maduro leaf. Think of it as your after-dinner equivalent of black coffee meets dark chocolate bar.
The pre-light sniff gives sweet barnyard - think damp hay bales. Initial puffs deliver sharp black pepper (Nicaraguan signature) that settles into espresso grounds. Smoke output stays moderate despite the 60 ring gauge, with firm ash showing textbook combustion.
At the 15-minute mark, burnt caramel sweetness emerges through the pepper. Retrohale brings bitter cacao nibs and a distinct "blackstrap molasses" vibe. Watch for occasional heat spikes if drawn too fast - this blend demands patience.
Last inch ramps up with licorice notes and mineral-like earthiness. The Costa Rican wrapper shines here, offering bittersweet balance. Nub potential high but watch for tar buildup common in short Maduros. Total smoke time clocks 50-65 minutes.
Rolled at RP's El Paraiso facility in Danlí - the same crew handling their premium lines. Interesting detail: They cold-ferment the Maduro leaves 18 months longer than standard Edge series, explaining the deeper sweetness.
Skip the craft beer. This stick needs either black coffee or bourbon (100+ proof) to cut through its dense profile. Milk chocolate desserts create an overload - try salted caramel instead.
