This chunky Nicaraguan puro from Pete Johnson and Pepin Garcia's collaboration packs serious flavor in its 5.5"x56 frame. At roughly $8 per stick in 24-count boxes, the Gorditos Toro Grande delivers earthy complexity that'll satisfy medium-bodied smokers craving pre-embargo Cuban nostalgia without breaking the bank. Its rustic Ecuadorian wrapper hides meticulously blended fillers that even rookies can enjoy - just watch that nicotine punch creeping up post-halftime.
The initial draws erupt with black pepper and roasted cashew notes - that classic Nicaraguan greeting. Mineral undertones emerge around the 1" burn line, carrying faint cinnamon whispers. Smoke production stays moderate, requiring deliberate draws from the tightly packed filler.
As the burn reaches halfway, espresso bitterness takes center stage. Leathery undertones blend with cedar woodiness, while the white pepper retrohale keeps things lively. Construction shines here - firm ash holds past 2" with perfect burn symmetry.
Nicotine strength noticeably ramps up in the last third. Burnt caramel sweetness attempts to balance lingering red chili heat. Savvy smokers might nub this to 1.5", as tar buildup starts affecting draw smoothness post-inch 4.
Hand-rolled in Estelí using Jalapa Valley's mineral-rich fillers and Condega's slow-burning binder leaves. The Habano Rosado wrapper undergoes extended fermentation for that signature oily sheen. Perfectly humidified boxes avoid the frequent wrapper cracks seen in thicker Nicaraguan vitolas.
