Let's kick things off with the Surrogates Bone Crusher - a 5 1/4" x 55 robusto that packs Nicaraguan tobacco in a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper. Priced at $171 per box of 20, this full-bodied parejo from Pete Johnson's L'Atelier stable delivers its signature punch through dark, oily wrapper leaves. The skeletal band design isn't just for show; it telegraphs the intense experience waiting inside those Nicaraguan rolls.
Initial puffs hit with espresso grounds and black pepper, the Connecticut Broadleaf's earthy sweetness battling Nicaraguan ligero's spice. Smoke production stays moderate but thick - no wispy clouds here. Burn line holds razor-sharp through the first inch.
Sweetness emerges as burnt caramel and malted milk balls, though the pepper keeps swinging. Ash firms up nicely, holding over an inch before dropping. Retrohale brings out hickory smoke and a touch of mineral bite.
Leather and charred meat notes dominate as nicotine builds. The last inch turns sharply spicy - jalapeño heat lingers on the tongue. While construction holds up, I usually nub it before the final half-inch to avoid tar buildup.
The Garcia family's roll shows in the packed foot - no tunneling issues despite the dense feel. Wrapper veins stay subtle beneath its coffee bean hue. While labeled "full", it's more medium-full compared to Nicaraguan puros. Best smoked after 65% RH humidor rest to tame the pepper spike.
