Let's talk about this eye-catching Lancero that comes literally wrapped in its own tobacco leaf packaging. The Leaf Sumatra Lancero from Oscar Valladares measures 7"x48 - that classic slim format demanding patience but rewarding with flavor concentration. Priced around $9 per stick in 20-count boxes, it's positioned as a mid-range luxury smoke.
The initial light reveals black pepper's tingle on the tongue with underlying cashew nuttiness. First inch brings cinnamon-spiced coffee notes wrapped in cedar - classic Sumatra character but dialed down in intensity compared to maduro versions.
Mid-section shifts gears around the 30-minute mark. Honduran tobacco's signature earthiness emerges with roasted cacao nibs and burnt caramel sweetness. Smoke production stays moderate - not billowy but consistent, requiring deliberate draws to keep flavors developing.
Final third gets interesting. The nicotine buzz starts creeping up (clocking in at 90 mins now) alongside leather and molasses notes. Some report slight tar buildup near nub, but proper purging maintains flavor clarity. Best paired with espresso or aged rum to cut through the developing oiliness.
That signature "leaf-wrapped" presentation isn't just gimmickry - the oily Ecuadorian wrapper survives shipping remarkably intact. Triple cap holds firm, although the 48 ring gauge feels slightly chunkier than traditional 38-40 RG lanceros. Burn line stays even without frequent corrections, ash holding firm for 1.5" increments.
