The Crowned Heads CHC Serie E Hermoso No.2 punches above its weight as a 6⅛" x 48 parejo that'll run you $9.23 per stick. That box-pressed Nicaraguan puro starts sharp like Eddie Van Halen's guitar riffs - not surprising since it's literally inspired by "Eruption". The Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro wrapper glistens with oil spots that promise good combustion, though first-timers might wanna pair it with soda to handle the nicotine kick.
Cold draw gives cedar shavings and black pepper. The initial light brings cinnamon toast crunch with that vanilla pod sweetness hiding behind the spice curtain. Burn line stays razor-sharp if you don't rush the puffing - about one drag per minute keeps it honest.
At the halfway point, the Jalapa binder flexes with roasted cashew flavors. Retrohale reveals baking spices your grandma would approve of - think allspice and nutmeg dancing with that persistent black pepper. Watch for occasional tar buildup if you're a suction-happy smoker.
The Pueblo Nuevo filler takes over in last third with espresso grounds intensity. Leather notes emerge alongside 80% dark chocolate bitterness. Strength-wise, it's like getting velvet-wrapped gut punches - potent but smooth. Not recommended after heavy meals unless you've got an iron nicotine tolerance.
This Nicaraguan roll from Tabacalera Pichardo keeps it tight - no canoeing issues even in 70% humidity. The triple cap holds firm through V-cuts. Ash clings for 1.5-2" intervals, showing textbook fermentation. Box code hunters should look for 6+ months age - fresh boxes can be a tad sharp.
