The Surrogates Crystal Baller hits hard with its 5?" 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.
Digulung di STC Estel (fasilitas mantan Joya de Nicaragua), ini menggunakan pengisi lembah Jalapa/Estel yang difermentasi tiga kali untuk meningkatkan kandungan nikotin. Selimut Ecuador menjalani fermentasi 18 bulan, mengembangkan kilauan berminyak yang khas. Metode box-pressing mengkompresi gumpalan tanpa membatasi tarikan - spesialisasi keluarga Garcia.
Pasangkan dengan kopi hitam atau bourbon murni untuk menembus intensitasnya. Membutuhkan penuaan 2+ tahun untuk menenangkan pukulan nikotin. Tidak untuk asap pagi - cerutu ini menuntut perhatian malam dan perut yang penuh.
