Let's unpack this limited-edition Lancero celebrating the 2025 Chinese Snake Year. At 7 inches long with a 40 ring gauge, this Nicaraguan puro comes dressed in an oily Habano wrapper holding 100% native tobaccos. The $405 box of 10 includes 8 standard lanceros plus two twisted "culebra" cigars - a conversation-starting combo for special occasions.
Pre-light notes of dried fruits and cedar with a faint sweetness. Perfect resistance - not too tight for such a slim vitola.
Opens with bold black pepper that settles into baking spices within 5 minutes. Undercurrents of roasted coffee emerge alongside detectable cinnamon stick notes. Steady smoke output with burn line needing one minor correction.
The transition brings creamy cashew flavors over charred oak. Retrohale showcases caramelized sugar and mineral earthiness typical of Jalapa-grown leaf. Smoke density increases slightly, requiring slower draws to prevent heat buildup.
Develops leathery depth with lingering black cherry sweetness. Draw remains open despite tar accumulation common in narrow ring gauges. Strength crescendos to full-bodied territory - pair with sweetened coffee to balance intensity.
The triple-seam cap held firm throughout. Impressive ash retention lasted 1.5" before first drop. Despite the delicate ring gauge, combustion remained even post-lighting. Allow 90+ minutes smoking time - rushing this Lancero misses its evolution.
