The Tatuaje Cabaiguan Guapos Original Natural Toro Grande comes in a box of 20 at $198, sporting a thick 54 ring gauge and 5 5/8" parejo shape. This Nicaraguan puro with Ecuadorian sun-grown wrapper delivers more kick than the original line while keeping that smooth Cuban-inspired vibe. I lit one up after dinner last night - decent oil sheen on the wrapper, firm roll with no soft spots. Let's break down what happened after the torch hit the foot.
Initial puffs hit with black pepper through the nose - not overpowering but definite spice. Settles into toasted cashew and cedar notes around the 1/2" burn mark. Draws tight at first but opened up after a few minutes. Ash held strong for about 1.5" before dropping.
Creaminess kicked in around the halfway point, blending with espresso bitterness. Retrohale showed faint leather undertones. Started developing minor canoeing on the wrapper that self-corrected. Smoke output increased noticeably - blew decent smoke rings.
Last third amped up the nicotine with charred oak flavors. Needed one relight at the 5" mark. Pepper spice returned on the backend of draws. Stopped at nub stage due to rising bitterness and some tar buildup. Total smoke time: 68 minutes.
Rolled at the My Father factory in Esteli, these use Nicaraguan filler from Jalapa region. The Ecuadorian wrapper adds more complexity versus standard Connecticut shade. Box dates matter here - found 6+ months aging mellows the initial spice hit.
Good middle-ground option between mild Connecticut and full Nicaraguan blends. Morning smokers might want to pair with espresso, evening sessions work with bourbon. Not the best value at ~$10/stick but consistent construction makes it reliable for special occasions.
