Let's talk about this hefty 7-inch Double Corona sporting a 54 ring gauge. Priced around $15 per stick in boxes of 12, the Olmec Claro wraps Mexican San Andrés leaf around Nicaraguan guts - a combo that'll make your taste buds sit up straight. Don't let the claro wrapper fool you; this smoke's packing serious heat beneath that golden-brown exterior.
First Third: Cold draw serves black coffee grounds and damp earth. Initial puffs bring roasted almonds with a cinnamon kick. Smoke production's modest but velvety, leaving a white pepper tingle on the tongue.
Middle Third: Flavor bombs start dropping - charred oak and 70% dark chocolate dominate. Noticeable nicotine buildup kicks in around the 45-minute mark. The ash holds firm for about two inches before tap-off.
Final Third: Mineral notes emerge like licking a wet stone, balanced by caramelized sugar sweetness. Retrohale reveals baking spices and a leathery undertone. Stopped at nub with slight bitterness creeping in.
Tested three samples - all showed tight seams and oily wrapper sheen. Consistent 1.5-2 hour smoke time. One cigar needed a touch-up after heavy canoeing in the final third, probably my fault for puffing too fast.
Experienced smokers craving complexity rather than brute strength. Pairs best with espresso or peaty scotch. Newbies might tap out before the good stuff hits - try the robusto vitola first if you're green behind the ears.
