Let's talk about the L'Atelier LAT52 Selection Speciale - Pete Johnson's mad scientist project with the Garcia family. This box-pressed robusto (4.75"x52) comes in 15-count bundles at $121.50, packing Nicaraguan guts under an Ecuadorian Sancti Spiritus wrapper that looks like it rolled out of a coal mine. Perfect for when you want full-bodied smoke without sacrificing construction quality.
First Third: Black pepper flakes hit the tongue immediately, settling into sweet cedar notes. The box-pressed shape gives tight draws initially - needs deliberate puffs to wake up. Ash holds firm like concrete despite the rustic wrapper appearance.
Middle Third: Nicaraguan volcano soil flavors emerge - think liquid dark chocolate mixed with Cuban espresso shots. Smoke output doubles, requiring frequent ashing. Retrohale reveals unexpected citrus zest that cuts through the density.
Final Third: Transition to leather and roasted spices with visible tar buildup at the cap. Strength creeps up to 4/5 - not quite nicotine bomb territory but demands slow smoking. Put it down with an inch left unless you're chasing the buzz.
The magic happens at My Father's Nicaraguan factory using Sancti Spiritus wrapper leaf - a hybrid crop originally developed for Cuban seed stock. Filler combines Estelí and Jalapa tobaccos fermented in pilones for 18+ months. That dark wrapper isn't just for show - it's sun-grown to max out oil content.
Use a straight guillotine cut here - the slightly box-pressed head doesn't play nice with V-cutters. Pair with cold brew coffee to match the espresso notes or mezcal if you're feeling adventurous. Needs 65% RH storage minimum to prevent wrapper cracks.
