Just cracked open the La Galera Exclusive 2023 Toro Sampler - a box of 10 cigars showcasing six distinct blends including the Anemoi, 1936 Box Pressed, and Maduro variations. At $90 for the sampler, you're basically paying $9 per Toro (6"x52) stick to explore this Nicaraguan-dominant lineup. The slightly oily Ecuadorian Habano wrapper glistens under light, tightly rolled with that signature triple cap La Galera's known for. Perfect morning smoke size if you've got 75-90 minutes to kill.
The Connecticut starts with white pepper kick that'll wake up your sinuses, while the Maduro version delivers instant coffee bitterness. Watch out for the 1936 Box Pressed - its square shoulders need careful lighting but reward with cedar notes cutting through the earthy base. Smoke output varies wildly between blends; the Habano generates thick plumes while the Imperial Jade burns cleaner.
Around the 40-minute mark, the Anemoi blend shines with unexpected cashew sweetness. The box-pressed sticks develop tighter draws here - keep your perfect draw tool handy. Leather and baking spices emerge across most variants, though the Maduro clings to its cocoa powder character stubbornly. Ash holds strong for 1.5-2" before dropping.
Nicotine buzz creeps up on the stronger blends (looking at you, 1936). The Connecticut surprisingly gains momentum here with hazelnut undertones, while the Habano punches through with black cherry tartness. Tar buildup happens quicker on Maduro-wrapped sticks - stop before the nub unless you're chasing that intense finish.
Box date showed 14 months aging - no relights needed across 8 sampled sticks. The box-pressed variants required minor touch-ups. Draw tension ranked: Connecticut (easiest) > Habano > Maduro > 1936 (tightest). Oil seepage observed on two Maduro wrappers, likely from summer shipping. Let these rest 2 weeks post-delivery for optimal performance.
