This box-pressed Nicaraguan puro punches above its 4.5" x 48 frame with Cigar Aficionado's #2 spot of 2018. The Petite vitola packs Mexican San Andrés "rosado oscuro" wrapper hugging Garcia-grown Criollo and Corojo tobaccos. At $7.11/stick in 20-count boxes, it delivers concentrated espresso and black pepper notes that unravel beautifully in under an hour.
The oily, toothy wrapper with thin veins promises good combustion. Initial cold draw offers earth and raisin sweetness.
Black pepper kicks hard on the retrohale. Core flavors of espresso bean and unsweetened cocoa dominate, with secondary leather notes. Smoke output stays medium with razor-sharp burn.
Pepper subsides to reveal baking spices - cinnamon and nutmeg most prominent. Underlying sweetness emerges reminiscent of panela sugar. Ash holds firm past 1.5".
Nicaraguan strength comes through. Charred oak joins the profile with increased nicotine presence. Stop at 30mm nub to avoid harshness. Lingering black coffee aftertaste lasts 15+ minutes.
Triple cap survives precise V-cut. Draw tightens slightly past halfway point - perfect candidate for PerfecDraw tool. Average smoke time: 55 minutes. Pair with espresso or Nicaraguan rum.
Outperforms most 6" cigars in flavor density. While pricier than entry-level Nicaraguans, the 95-rated blend justifies cost for special occasions. Not ideal for newcomers - start with My Father Flor de las Antillas first.
