Let's talk about the 2012 by Oscar Valladares Maduro Toro - a box-pressed powerhouse measuring 6"×52 ring gauge. This Honduran-made stick comes in boxes of 20, priced around $167.40 ($8.37 per cigar). The Mexican San Andres Maduro wrapper shines like polished obsidian, hiding a Nicaraguan-Honduran core that delivers medium-full intensity. Perfect for after-dinner relaxation or celebratory occasions, it's become a frequent flyer in many humidors since its 2012 debut.
First Third: Immediate dark chocolate notes hit with espresso bitterness. The draw opens up with perfect resistance - not too tight, not airy. Smoke production surprises me, creating decent clouds even with slow puffs. Burn line stays razor-sharp without corrections.
Middle Third: Transition brings dry cedar and leather undertones. There's a cinnamon spark on retrohale that keeps things interesting. Ash holds strong at nearly 1.5 inches before dropping. Body ramps up to full territory here - nicotine-sensitive smokers should take note.
Final Third: Black pepper emerges but doesn't overpower. Mineral notes balance the lingering sweetness. At the nub (about 90-minute mark), some tar buildup warns it's time to quit. Post-smoke aftertaste leaves pleasant honeyed tobacco memory.
The triple-cap head unravels cleanly with a guillotine cut. Box-press shape feels comfortable between fingers without sharp edges. Wrapper oils transfer slightly to fingers - sign of proper humidification. Despite the maduro classification, it burns cooler than expected when paced properly.
