This Nicaraguan puro with a whiskey twist brings serious heft in a 6.5"x54 torpedo format. Let's unpack that bourbon barrel magic - they've aged their Cuban-seed sun grown wrapper for 10 extra months in whiskey barrels, pairing it with 6-year-old filler tobaccos from Esteli's volcanic soils. At $9/stick in 24-count boxes, it's positioned as an affordable luxury for medium-full smokers.
The initial draws hit with bourbon-soaked vanilla sweetness, gradually revealing toasted cedar notes. Smoke output stays moderate - no cloud chasing here. Watch the burn line; that tapered head needs precise clipping to avoid canoeing.
Nicaraguan pepper emerges around the inch mark, tempered by cocoa powder and cinnamon stick warmth. Retrohales bring walnut bitterness that pairs beautifully with coffee. Ash holds solid in 1-inch segments if you're patient.
Creaminess dominates the last third, with earthy undertones sneaking in near the nub. Strength ramps up - newbies might feel the nicotine around 45-minute mark. Pair with sweetened black tea to balance the intensity.
Dry box for 48 hours before smoking - the barrel treatment makes wrappers humidity-sensitive. Use punch cutters rather than guillotines to control airflow in the tapered head. Age potential: 6-18 months (vanilla transforms into butterscotch).
