The Foundation Tabernacle Havana Seed CT No.142 Robusto hits hard with its Connecticut River Valley-grown wrapper and Nicaraguan core. Nicknamed "The King's Blend" for its royal-themed packaging featuring Haile Selassie, this 5x50 stick comes in boxes of 24 at $255.60. AJ Fernandez's Estelí factory rolls these oil-slicked beauties using three-year fermented Havana Seed CT No.142 wrapper – a nicotine-packed leaf that'll stain your fingers with earthy goodness.
Cold draw gives damp earth and barnyard. Initial puffs punch with black pepper and espresso bitterness – there's no gentle warm-up here. Burn line stays razor-sharp despite the oily wrapper. Retrohale reveals burnt caramel sweetness that balances the assault.
Pepper transforms into chili powder around the 1-inch mark. Leather and roasted nuts emerge through creamy smoke that feels heavier than expected. Watch for uneven burn if you're smoking fast – this thing demands slow, deliberate pacing. Ash holds strong for 2+ inches.
Last third brings tar buildup warning signs – increased tongue bitterness and tighter draw. Power through for payoff: unsweetened cocoa and charred oak dominate, leaving cedar linger. Nub at 45-minute mark unless you're chasing nicotine rush.
Let these rest 6+ months to mellow the pepper spike. Pair with black coffee or bourbon to complement the earthy core. Avoid morning smoking – better suited for post-dinner sessions when you can handle the 90mg+ nicotine content. Boxes from late 2022 batches show improved combustion consistency.
