Let's talk about the Surrogates Animal Cracker 550 - that box-pressed figurado from Tatuaje that's been making waves. At 5"x50, this Nicaraguan puro comes in boxes of 20 sticks priced around $162. I've been sitting on this particular specimen for about six weeks in 65% humidity, and man does that Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro wrapper glisten. Perfect construction with just enough give when squeezed. Not your average robusto, this Pete Johnson creation wants to be the wildcard in your humidor.
Cold draw serves up earth and barnyard. Initial light brings black pepper that'll make your nose tingle, paired with dark roasted coffee. Smoke output's decent - not a chimney but enough to annoy your non-smoking friends. Ash holds tight for the first inch before crumbling.
Here's where the "Animal" shows its teeth. The pepper mellows into cayenne heat while bitter cocoa emerges. Catch some cedar notes if you retrohale, but watch that nicotine kick - this isn't for rookies. Burn line stays razor-sharp, no touch-ups needed.
Leather and charred meat dominate the home stretch. Sweetness creeps in like burnt caramel but gets overpowered by mineral notes. Smoke gets warmer despite slow pacing. Stopped at the band - tar buildup wasn't terrible but my palate needed mercy.
Rolled in Nicaragua's Estelí region using all-Nicaraguan tobacco. Jalapa Valley filler gives that earthy base, while the Estelí binder adds spice. That dark Habano Oscuro wrapper? Grown in Ecuador's volcanic soil - same stuff that makes Plasencia cigars shine. Pete Johnson's blend here proves you don't need Cuban seed to pack flavor.
