Let's talk about this Nicaraguan powerhouse that punched way above its weight class. The My Father Le Bijou 1922 Grand Robusto comes in boxes of 23 sticks priced around $246, measuring 5⅝" x 55 ring gauge. That chunky 55 ring makes it feel substantial between your fingers - like a proper robusto that means business. The dark maduro wrapper isn't just for show; it's loaded with oils that leave a faint sheen on your fingertips.
The initial puff hits with black pepper and dark roast coffee. There's an earthiness underneath that settles quickly - think damp forest floor after rain. Smoke production is medium-heavy, but watch that burn line; it tends to canoe if you rush through the first inch.
Around the 30-minute mark, leather and charred oak emerge. The pepper backs off just enough to let bittersweet cocoa nibs come through. This is where the 55 ring really works - enough surface area to develop complex flavors without overheating.
Last inch brings espresso grounds and baking spices. Some get a fleeting cherry sweetness, but the nicotine kick is real here. Not for the faint-hearted - this is a 90-minute smoke that demands your full attention and maybe a sugar cube backup.
The triple cap holds up beautifully - no unraveling issues even when nubbed. Box-pressed shape helps with heat management, though the final third can get warm if puffed faster than once per minute. Storage-wise, keep these at 65% RH max; that maduro wrapper tends to swell in higher humidity.
