Let's cut straight to the chase - the La Aurora 115th Anniversary Toro (6"x54) hits shelves at $9.90 per stick in boxes of 20. This Dominican puro wears its Ecuadorian Habano wrapper like a polished leather jacket, oily and smooth to the touch. The limited edition band screams legacy, but does it smoke like a true anniversary celebrant?
The cold draw serves roasted peanuts and a hint of cinnamon. Initial puffs deliver black pepper that's more tickle than punch - think Dominicana subtlety rather than Nicaraguan aggression. Smoke output feels modest but steady, leaving cedar shavings on the retrohale.
Brazilian tobacco makes its presence known with espresso grounds intensity. There's an unexpected maple syrup sweetness emerging through the pepper haze. Watch for occasional burn corrections needed around the halfway mark - nothing fatal, but keep your lighter handy.
Nicaraguan filler shifts gears into earthy territory - damp soil and unsweetened cocoa dominate. The nicotine creep becomes noticeable here. I clocked out at 75-minute mark with 1.5" remaining, the increasing tar bitterness suggesting this Toro prefers shorter smoking sessions.
This anniversary smoke nails complexity but demands attention. The Dominican/Brazilian/Nicaraguan trio creates interesting flavor shifts, though the blend feels slightly over-ambitious. Best enjoyed by morning coffee rather than post-dinner. At $10/stick, it's priced for special occasions rather than daily rotation. Curious about that Ecuadorian wrapper magic? This Toro might just convert you.
