The Surrogates Crystal Baller hits hard with its 5¾" x 56 box-pressed parejo shape - a gordo-sized beast dressed in oily Ecuadorian Habano wrapper. Priced at $171 per box of 20, this Nicaraguan puro punches above its weight class with full-bodied strength that'll make your eyebrows sweat. Pete Johnson's dark creation rolls out dense smoke that sticks to your palate like motor oil.
First Third: Immediate black pepper slap fades into charred oak and bitter cocoa. Smoke output feels like exhaling through a wool blanket - thick but smooth. The box press creates razor-sharp burn lines despite the 56 ring girth.
Middle Third: Dark fruits emerge through the haze - think overripe plums dipped in espresso. Retrohale brings burning hickory and a touch of iron-like minerality. Smoke density remains constant, coating the tongue like melted tar.
Final Third: Nicaraguan strength shows teeth with licorice root and damp earth notes. Last two inches develop a spicy kick resembling wasabi heat through the nostrils. Gotta purge twice to avoid harshness.
Rolled at STC Estelí (former Joya de Nicaragua facility), these use Jalapa/Estelí valley fillers triple-fermented to intensify nicotine content. The Ecuadorian wrapper undergoes 18-month fermentation, developing that trademark oily sheen. Box-pressing method compresses the bunch without restricting draw - a Garcia family specialty.
Pair with black coffee or neat bourbon to cut through the intensity. Requires 2+ years aging to mellow the nicotine punch. Not for morning smoke - this cigar demands evening attention and a full stomach.
