Let's cut straight to the chase - the Surrogates Crystal Baller 646 delivers a knockout punch for full-bodied lovers. This Nicaraguan puro comes box-pressed in a hefty 6.5"x46 Lonsdale format, packing 20 sticks per box at $171. The dark Ecuadorian Habano wrapper glistens with visible oil, promising serious flavor intensity before you even light up. Created by Pete Johnson's L'Atelier team, it's become a cult favorite among experienced smokers chasing complex profiles.
Right off the torch, expect black pepper fireworks mixing with bitter espresso grounds. The tight box press creates a concentrated smoke output - not huge plumes, but dense enough to coat your palate. Some users report a slight draw resistance initially that usually opens up after half an inch.
As the burn line progresses, dark chocolate shavings and roasted cashew flavors take center stage. The retrohale reveals hidden plum jam sweetness behind the leathery core. Watch for occasional tar buildup near the cap - keep your cutter handy for a quick snip if needed.
Things get serious in the home stretch. Cedar wood notes emerge alongside mineral earthiness characteristic of Estelí-grown tobacco. The nicotine kick becomes pronounced here - newbies might want to pair this with a sugary drink. The ash holds impressively tight despite the box-pressed shape.
Rolled at La Zona factory in Estelí's volcanic soil region, the 646 uses aged Nicaraguan fillers bound in local leaf. The US-grown Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper undergoes extended fermentation, explaining its nearly black hue and sweet undertones. The box-pressing technique enhances combustion consistency - a signature of García family production methods.
