The La Mission du L'Atelier 1999 delivers a box-pressed nicotine kick with its 5 5/8" x46 parejo shape. Priced at $153.90 for 18 sticks, this Pete Johnson collaboration features a maduro Mexican San Andrés cloak over Nicaraguan Sancti Spiritus guts. Medium-full strength doesn't mean subtle - prepare for bold red bands and pigtail caps that scream "experienced smoker".
Cold draw serves espresso grounds and licorice. Initial puffs release black pepper through the nose with cedar undertones. Box-press shape creates angular smoke pockets - watch that burn line dance diagonally across the maduro wrapper.
At 25-minute mark, the Sancti Spiritus binder flexes with roasted cashew flavors. Smoke output doubles - billowy clouds without harshness. Ash holds tight past two inches, revealing alternating dark/light layers from the dual-country blend.
Last third brings the Garcia family signature - charred meatiness cutting through sweet tobacco core. Retrohale stings with white pepper resurgence. Nub burns fingers at 70-minute mark, nicotine saturation complete.
