I fired up this 6x60 Gordo after dinner last night, noticing its sun-kissed Nicaraguan wrapper glistening under the cigar lounge lights. The beefy 60 ring gauge fills the hand like a seasoned slugger's bat - not for rookies, but pure gold for fans of full-bodied smokes. At about $10 per stick in 24-count boxes, it's positioned as an approachable luxury in the Nicaraguan portfolio.
The initial puffs deliver black pepper that tingles the tongue, quickly mellowing into roasted almond and cedar notes. I noticed moderate smoke output - enough for casual ring blowing but won't fog up your car. The draw's slightly tight at first, requiring deliberate pulls to get that Nicaraguan engine humming.
Flavors deepen into molasses-drenched espresso beans with a caramelized crust. This is where the bourbon barrel-aging whispers its secrets - not overtly boozy, but adds a vanillin smoothness to the earthy core. Ash held strong in 1.5" segments, though I detected one minor canoeing issue midway.
Nicaraguan power surges forward with leather and damp soil notes. The sweetness transitions to brown sugar glaze on fresh-baked bread. Around the 50-minute mark, I felt the nicotine hit - not overwhelming but advises having something sugary nearby. Stopped at nub length with minimal tar buildup.
This Miami-based family operation controls every step from Estelí tobacco fields to final boxing. The sungrown wrapper spends 8 months in bourbon barrels - not a gimmick, as the wood influence subtly elevates the natural sweetness without overpowering. Their entubado rolling technique shows in the consistent burn line (after initial correction).
Daytime smokers might find its 90-minute duration demanding, but night owls will appreciate the evolving complexity. While newbies could handle the medium start, the nicotine punch in final third demands some experience. Perfect pairing: dark rum or oat milk latte to balance the earthy depths.
