This Nicaraguan powerhouse with a Brazilian wrapper demands attention. The Cellar Reserve 15 Year Kraken arrives in 6x60 gordo format, packing 15-year-aged Dominican filler tobaccos under its oily Criollo '98 wrapper. At about $13.50 per stick, it's priced for special occasions rather than daily smoking.
Initial Third: Black pepper sparkles across the tongue while espresso grounds dominate the retrohale. Thick smoke carries walnut undertones.
Middle Third: Burnt caramel sweetness emerges alongside cedar planks. Cocoa powder dusting appears at the 40-minute mark.
Final Third: Dark cherry jam notes blend with loamy earthiness. Tar buildup becomes noticeable past 90 minutes.
The Nicaraguan filler combines Estelí's volcanic spice with Jalapa's caramel undertones. Brazilian Mata Fina wrapper contributes slow-burning leather notes through its high oil content.
