The My Father La Opulencia Robusto hits your humidor with Nicaraguan swagger in a box-pressed 5¼"x52 format. This $196.20/box gem features a dark Mexican San Andres wrapper they call "rosado oscuro" - basically the leather jacket of tobacco leaves. I'm still recovering from its 2018 #2 Cigar of the Year status, but let's cut through the hype.
Cold draw punches you with black pepper and burnt coffee grounds. Initial smoke carries baking spices - think nutmeg in a wood-fired oven. White pepper bite hangs around through the first inch like an overly enthusiastic salsa dancer.
Sweetness barges in unannounced. Molasses and dark chocolate dominate while the wrapper's earthiness keeps it from becoming cloying. Retrohale reveals a sneaky cinnamon note that makes your sinuses tingle.
Leather and roasted nuts take center stage. Strength creeps up to full-bodied territory - nicotine hits harder than a Managua taxi driver. Last inch gets mineral-heavy; time to nub it before the tar monster arrives.
The box-press feels substantial without being rigid. Perfect draw resistance - no punching needed. Ash holds firm in 1" segments. Wrapper combustion stays even except minor canoeing in final third (blame my hasty light).
Pair with aged añejo tequila to complement the spice, or cold brew coffee to amplify the chocolate notes. Needs 65% humidity minimum - that San Andres wrapper gets crackly when dry.
