The L'Atelier LAT56 Selection Speciale makes a bold first impression with its 6.5" x 56 box-pressed frame and dark sancti spiritus wrapper. This Nicaraguan puro from Pete Johnson's experimental line delivers full-bodied thrills at $148.50 per 15-count box - nearly 10 bucks a stick for those who like their smokes strong and unconventional. The cigar's square-ish press gives firm finger feel while the oily Ecuadorian leaf hints at the flavor fireworks within.
Cold draw brings sweet earth and pencil shavings. First light erupts with cracked black peppercorn and molasses - proper Nicaraguan ligero kick tempered by the dark wrapper's subtle sweetness. Midway through, the smoke shifts into burnt espresso territory with occasional licks of salty beef jerky. Final third gets animalic with damp soil and black tea tannins - classic Garcia factory fermentation notes punching through.
Triple-cap head takes guillotine cuts cleanly. Burn line stays laser-straight through first half before needing one minor touch-up. Ash holds strong in compact pellets - not quite "Pringles can" density but respectable. Smoke output feels thicker than actual volume, leaving a hazy aromatic trail reminiscent of charred maple wood.
Rolled in Esteli under Jaime Garcia's supervision using viso from Jalapa's red soil farms. Binder from Ometepe Island volcanic earth adds mineral edge. The dark Sancti Spiritus wrapper (hybrid Habano/Criollo '98) gets sun-grown in Ecuador's humidity then kettle-cured - crucial for developing those caramelized sugar notes that balance the filler's fire.
