This box-pressed Nicaraguan puro packs serious flavor into its 5⅜"x52 frame. The El Senador's dark San Andres wrapper glistens with oil, hiding a complex blend of Nicaraguan fillers and Ecuadorian Sumatra binder. At $9 per stick in 20-count boxes, it's positioned as an affordable luxury for medium-full strength lovers.
Initial Third: Heavy earth tones hit first - damp soil and black coffee. The smoke feels dense but smooth, leaving peppery tingle on retrohale. Burn line stays razor-sharp despite box press.
Middle Third: Cocoa powder and cured leather emerge. Sweetness builds like brown sugar crust on crème brûlée. Draw tightens slightly, requiring precise purges to maintain airflow.
Final Third: Nicotine punch becomes noticeable at 45-minute mark. Cedar and hickory smoke flavors dominate, though some report bitter tar accumulation past 1½" nub.
The triple-cap head holds firm through V-cut. Box-pressing creates distinctive squared shoulders that develop rounded edges after 60+ days humidor rest. Limited wrapper seams suggest skilled rolling - only 2 visible on 80% of samples inspected.
Complements best with aged rum (8+ years) or cold brew coffee. Avoid sweet cocktails that clash with its earthy core. Morning smoke enthusiasts report optimal performance when paired with espresso.
