Let's cut straight to this 5.5"x48 corona gorda from Foundation Cigar. At $13 per stick, it's wearing an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper that shines like antique leather. Beneath lies Nicaraguan guts from Estelí's volcanic soil and Jalapa's sweeter leaves. The draw starts just right - not too loose, no hard spots.
The initial puffs deliver black pepper kick with underlying raisins. Smoke production stays moderate - no mushroom clouds here. Retrohale brings cedar shavings and a metallic tang I associate with aged ligero.
As the burn line crosses the band, molasses sweetness emerges. The Connecticut Broadleaf binder asserts itself with charred oak notes. Watch the burn angle - mine developed a slight canoe needing correction.
Last inch turns espresso bitter with leather undertones. Nicotine strength builds noticeably - finish your cocktail before this stage. Stopped at nub due to accumulating tar bitterness.
While marketed as Ethiopian tribute, the actual tobaccos tell different story. The Ecuadorian wrapper gets its dark hue from multiple fermentations. Nicaraguan fillers combine Estelí's peppery ligero with Jalapa's smoother seco leaves. Connecticut Broadleaf binder adds characteristic dark cocoa notes - classic foundation (pun intended) for this medium-full blend.
