The Cohiba Riviera Robusto comes hot with its 52-ring box-pressed frame - perfect for when you want a full-strength cigar that doesn't play nice. This Honduran/Nicaraguan blend wrapped in Mexican San Andres maduro brings the funk at $18/stick. Burn time's about an hour, just enough to taste the rollercoaster without nicotine nausea.
First Third: Immediate cocoa powder blast with burnt coffee edges. Draw feels like sucking milkshake through a straw - almost too easy. Watch that ash though, starts flaky before tightening up.
Middle Third: Honduran Jamastran filler kicks in - think black pepper on charred oak. Smoke output doubles, leaving that clingy aroma on your shirt. Retrohale stings just right.
Final Third: Nicaraguan Esteli takes over with leather and asphalt notes. Sweetness fades to mineral bitterness. Cut it at 45min unless you're chasing that nicotine dragon.
That Mexican wrapper feels like sandpaper but lights clean. Box press helps grip when your hands get greasy from bourbon. Cohiba tax hits hard here - you're paying for that glossy box and Taino head band. Stock up on sale, smoke after dinner when you want to feel fancy without Fuente prices.
