This box-pressed short robusto surprises with its oily Mexican San Andres Maduro wrapper concealing Honduran-Nicaraguan guts. At 4"x52, it's a compact powerhouse perfect for 45-minute smoke breaks. The $122.40/box price positions it as a value-packed daily driver for maduro lovers. First light reveals why this 2012 blend remains relevant - think espresso-dipped leather gloves with a caramelized sugar crust.
The box-pressed parejo construction delivers textbook combustion. Initial draws produce thick smoke plumes with minimal effort. Ash holds firm in .75" segments. No relights needed unless nubbed below 1". Watch the final third - heavy oil content can cause slight runner development.
First Third: Steeped black tea meets charred mesquite. Retrohale exposes dark chocolate covered espresso beans. Smoke texture feels viscous, coating the palate like motor oil.
Mid Section: Earthiness shifts from damp forest floor to mineral-rich volcanic soil. Baking spices (allspice, clove) emerge alongside fermented tobacco sweetness. Retrohale sting: 3/10 intensity.
Final Stretch: Molasses-thick smoke carries licorice root and aged leather. Nicaraguan fillers announce themselves with white pepper tingle on the tongue's sides. Nicotine kick registers at 7/10.
Double-seam cap withstands punch cut or v-cut. Wrapper veins minimal - San Andres leaf selection shows master blenders at work. Foot inspection reveals precise bunching with visible ligero strands. Box press maintains shape even in 70% RH environments.
Outperforms most $8-10 maduros in combustion quality. Sits comfortably between mass-market and boutique pricing. Buy for: Consistent daily driver, humidor filler between premium smokes, introductory maduro for intermediate smokers.
