Meet L'Atelier Trocadero Ruelles - the 4.5" x 38 short panatela that's been catching attention with its Nicaraguan punch in a petite format. Rolled by the Garcia family using Pete Johnson's recipe, this mild-medium stick comes 50 to a box, making it the perfect "smoke break" companion. The Ecuadorian Habano wrapper isn't just eye candy; it's keeping those earthy flavors locked in tight.
The cold draw serves up damp earth and cedar shavings. Lighting reveals white pepper that stings just enough to wake up your palate. Smoke production stays modest - don't expect giant cloud chasing here. Retrohale brings out that signature Nicaraguan twang with a touch of salted peanuts.
Leather notes muscle in around the halfway point, mingling with baking spices. There's a faint caramel sweetness that keeps things from getting too rugged. Ash holds tight in ¾" chunks, though the burn line occasionally needs correction if you're puffing too fast.
The last inch gets earthy with coffee grounds and dark chocolate bitterness. Nicotine creep is real for a mild-medium stick - lightheadedness alert for quick smokers. Tap out when the sweetness fades unless you enjoy ashy aftertastes.
The Habano wrapper stays vein-free and oily to the touch. Triple cap survives pocket carry surprisingly well. Some boxes show slight variation in roll density - store at 65% RH for best combustion. When it's on point, the ash burns salt-and-pepper with zero flake.
