Let's dive straight into the PDR 1878 Capa Oscura Toro - a box-pressed Dominican stogie that'll make you rethink medium-bodied cigars. This 6x52 Toro comes in boxes of 20 for around $170, wearing its Ecuadorian Sumatra Oscuro wrapper like a perfectly aged leather jacket. The real magic happens when you realize this isn't your typical "smooth" Dominican blend.
Cold draw serves black coffee grounds and burnt sugar. Initial puffs kick with roasted Brazil nuts and bitter cocoa. The smoke feels dense but moves slow - like thick syrup rolling across your tongue. Retrohale brings white pepper that'll make your nostrils flare.
Woodshop vibes take over - fresh-cut cedar planks mixed with antique leather. There's caramel sweetness hiding underneath, but it's the charred meat note that really sticks. Burn line stays sharp despite the oily wrapper. Ash holds firm at 1.5 inches.
Mineral intensity spikes like licking a wet stone. Dark chocolate bitterness balances the emerging molasses sweetness. Last inch gets fiery with clove spice and a nicotine punch that tells you when to stop. Leave the nub - it's not worth the burn.
This stick demands your attention - it's not background smoke. Pair with black coffee or an oaky bourbon to match its intensity. Construction's rock solid, though the closed foot makes lighting a bit fiddly. Perfect for when you want flavor fireworks without full-bodied commitment. Recent boxes from 2022 show better combustion than earlier releases.
