This Nicaraguan puro kicks off with dense pepper spice that'll make your tongue tingle. The No.48's box-pressed 60 ring gauge feels substantial between fingers - perfect for folks who like their cigars thiccc. At 5.5" it's compact enough for a weeknight smoke but packs enough leaf for 90+ minutes of evolving flavors. Watch that gold-banded beauty glow cherry red as caramelized tobacco oils crust the wrapper.
First Third: Immediate black pepper zing with charred oak undertones. The massive ring gauge delivers creamy smoke volume that coats the palate. Retrohale reveals walnut skins and Cuban coffee bitterness.
Middle Third: Power shifts to cocoa powder sweetness battling earthy jalapa tobacco. Draw tightens slightly - quick purge brings back leathery depth. Smoke output remains billowy despite the tight pack.
Final Third: Dark chocolate ganache dominates as nicotine strength spikes. Last inch gets tarry with licorice root bitterness. Most users nub at 1.5" remaining due to intensity buildup.
The triple-seam cap peels cleanly with a sharp cutter. Five-year-aged fillers combust evenly despite the hefty ring gauge - no canoeing issues reported across multiple samples. Ash holds firm in 1.5" segments showing tight layering. Box code dating shows 18-month minimum fermentation.
Dry-box for 36 hours pre-light. The heavy Nicaraguan ligero benefits from slight humidity drop - amplifies the sweet cocoa notes while taming pepper sharpness.
