The Quesada Tributo Alvarito punches above its weight in the petit corona category. This 4.5" x 40 stick comes in boxes of 50 at $286.20, sporting an oily Ecuadorian Habano wrapper that practically glistens. Don't let the small size fool you - the blend of Dominican and Nicaraguan ligero leaves delivers medium-full intensity perfect for when you want substantial flavor in a compact format.
First Third: Immediate black pepper kick mellows into espresso grounds and burnt caramel. Smoke output stays moderate but carries a distinct cedar aroma. The draw feels slightly firm but produces satisfying resistance.
Middle Third: Pepper subsides as cashew butter and dark chocolate emerge. Noticeable increase in nicotine strength - not quite a gut punch but demands respect. Ash holds strong in 1-inch segments with minimal canoeing.
Final Third: Leather notes take over accompanied by baking spices. The last inch introduces a faint mineral quality that some might find bitter. Smoke time averages 45 minutes with steady burn requiring only 2-3 touchups.
Rolled in Santiago's Free Trade Zone using Ecuadorian Sumatra-seed wrappers aged in Caribbean humidity. The binder combines Dominican Piloto Cubano with Nicaraguan Jalapa fillers for that signature spice-sweet balance. Blenders leveraged 5th-generation family knowledge to pack maximum flavor into the petit corona format.
