This Nicaraguan puro hits with a 5x55 parejo shape that's become Pete Johnson's signature format. Priced around $10 per stick in boxes of 21, it's got that classic maduro wrapper glistening like motor oil under good lighting. Let's cut through the hype - you're getting 90 minutes of smoke time here whether you're ready or not.
First Third: Opens with black pepper that makes your nostrils flare. Earthy notes emerge after 15 minutes, like fresh coffee grounds mixed with rain-soaked leather. Watch the burn line - mine needed two touch-ups with a single torch.
Mid Section: The sweet spot hits between 45-75 minutes. Cocoa powder dominates now, but there's this weird cherry cough syrup aftertaste that divides smokers. Ash holds solid inch-long chunks if you're careful.
Final Stretch: Last quarter brings charred oak and bitter dark chocolate. Got a tar build-up at the 85% mark typical of maduros. Ended mine early when the nicotine buzz started tingling fingers.
Rolled at Tabacalera Cubana in Estelí using Jalapa valley wrapper leaves. These need minimum 6 months humidor time - tried one ROTT and the ammonia bite was brutal. Best batch codes I've had start with EPL-21.
