The Tatuaje Havana VI Victorias in Corona Especial (6"x38) brings old-school Cuban vibes to non-Cuban rollers. This slender stick comes in boxes of 24 at $162, packing Nicaraguan filler/binder under an Ecuadorian wrapper. Medium-bodied with textbook construction, it's Pete Johnson's nostalgic tribute to pre-embargo Havanas done right.
Sharp black pepper hits immediately - think freshly cracked peppercorns. The dry cedar notes make me reach for water. Draw starts snug but opens up after 1cm burn. Retrohale brings mineral twang.
Roasted almonds emerge through the pepper haze. Baking spices (cinnamon/nutmeg) develop at the 30-minute mark. Ash holds 1.5" before dropping. Needs relight once - wrapper burns faster than core.
Surprise caramel sweetness saves the last inch. Tar builds up quicker than expected. Bitter chocolate finish lingers 15+ minutes. Decent nicotine kick - not beginner-friendly despite ring gauge.
