Let's cut to the chase - the Verocu No.9 ain't your beginner's smoke. This 4.5"x49 petite robusto packs Nicaraguan firepower under its Ecuadorian Habano wrapper. At $153/box of 20, it's positioned as an affordable daily driver for medium-full smokers. The initial limited edition flew off shelves so fast that Pete Johnson had to make it permanent. Three things stand out: dark chocolate-colored wrapper sheen, visible tooth, and that spicy red "Verocu" band screaming authenticity.
Black pepper slaps your palate immediately - think freshly cracked kampot variety. Underneath lies burnt toast edge with hickory smokiness. Retrohale brings cayenne heat that makes nostrils flare. Construction shines here with razor-sharp burn line.
At the 1" mark, leather and baking spices emerge. Specifically: cardamom pod crunch and allspice berry sweetness. The body thickens to whole milk texture. Watch the ash - holds strong for 1.5" before needing a tap. Paired with black coffee? Magic.
Last inch gets interesting. Bitter cacao nibs meet molasses drip. Retrohale reveals wet limestone minerality. Nicotine buildup becomes noticeable at 45-minute mark - newbies might get lightheaded. Perfect time to nub it.
The My Father factory roll shines - 19/20 samples had perfect draw. Cap cuts cleanly with double guillotine. Burn requires one touch-up average in outdoor conditions. Smoke output impresses - generates cloud cover worthy of Havana's morning fog.
