The La Aurora Original Blend Maduro 1985 Robusto rolls up in a 5x50 parejo format packing serious Dominican heat. At $135 for 20 sticks, this box-pressed Nicaraguan puro dressed in Brazilian Maduro leaf shows why La Aurora's been killing it since 1903. The medium-strength smoke starts with construction so tight you could bounce a peso off it - triple cap, oily wrapper, minimal veins. Let's see if that pretty face delivers fire.
Cold draw serves up barnyard funk with almond sweetness. Initial puffs hit like a Dominican winter - black pepper spice slaps the tongue while earthy undertones keep it grounded. Smoke production stays modest, burn line razor-straight. Watch for early tar buildup if you puff faster than Juan Soto swings.
The party starts when coffee cream and 70% dark chocolate crash through. Pepper retreats to the background as cashew nuttiness surfaces. Draw tightens slightly past halfway - quick roll between fingers fixes it. Retrohale brings out caramelized sugar notes that'll make you check for a dessert menu.
Last third amps up the cocoa powder intensity with leathery undertones. Body kicks up to medium-full as nicotine creeps in. Perfect time to pair with black coffee or bourbon. Ditch it before the nub unless you want earthy bitterness overstaying its welcome.
Hands-down construction champ versus other Dominican puros. Triple cap holds firm even with aggressive clipping. Wrapper stays glued despite multiple touch-ups. Expect 65-75 minute smoke time with proper pacing. Best smoked after 2-3 weeks humidor rest to mellow initial spice.
