This box-pressed beast from Oscar Valladares comes packing 60 ring gauge muscle in a 6-inch frame. The dark Mexican San Andres Maduro wrapper shines with oily veins, housing Honduran binder and Nicaraguan filler leaves. At about $9 per stick in 20-count boxes, it delivers medium-full strength perfect for late-night sessions when you want serious flavor without wrecking your palate.
First Third: Immediate espresso kick with burnt caramel sweetness. The box press creates tighter draws, concentrating flavors of wet earth and black pepper through the nose. Smoke production stays moderate despite the girth.
Middle Third: Nicaraguan fillers flex their strength - charred oak and baking spices emerge. Watch for occasional heat spikes near the midpoint. Pair with cold brew coffee to balance the boldness.
Final Third: Maduro magic happens in the home stretch. Bitter dark chocolate dominates, layered with leathery undertones. Strength builds noticeably - not for nicotine lightweights. Cut it at 1.5" nub unless you want the room spinning.
