Let's cut straight to this Nicaraguan beast - the Antaño Dark Corojo El Martillo hits like a freight train. Packing a 54 ring gauge into its 5.5" robusto frame, this full-strength cigar comes dressed in an oily dark corojo wrapper that's practically begging to be lit. At about $6.45 per stick in a 20-count box, it's punching way above its weight class.
First Third: Instant coffee grounds and bitter chocolate smack your palate, with black pepper spice accumulating on the back of the throat. The dark wrapper delivers thick smoke that feels like chewing on a leather strap.
Middle Third: Earth tones intensify as charred oak and crushed cashew emerge. I get a nicotine buzz developing around the band point - this isn't your beginner's cigar. Burn line holds razor-straight despite the heavy oil content.
Final Third: Mineral notes kick in hard with asphalt undertones. Retrohale reveals baking spices (think allspice, not cinnamon) but the sweetness never quite balances the intensity. Had to put it down with 1.5" left - tar buildup got unpleasant.
Pair this with a sweetened espresso or bourbon to cut through the intensity. Needs at least 6 months of humidor time to mellow the harsh edges - fresh out the box, it's all gas no brakes. Perfect for when you want your cigars to leave a mark.
