This 5½" x54 Nicaraguan puro rolls out a Jalapa-grown Claro wrapper that's lighter than your typical maduro - think golden brown with faint oil streaks. Partner Manuel Quesada and Nestor Plasencia packed this box-pressed robusto with Estelí and Condega tobaccos, delivering medium-full smoke for about $6.40 per stick. The draw punches above its price range, though watch for uneven burns in humid weather.
Cold draw gives damp cedar. Initial light brings black pepper that mellows into Brazil nuts by the ½" mark. Smoke output stays modest - not a cloud chaser's pick. Retrohale shows fermented tea leaves with background cinnamon.
Cocoa powder emerges around the band area. Ash holds firm for 1.5" chunks. Watch for hidden nicotine - the Jalapa sweetnes disguises accumulating strength. Paired well with oolong tea to cut through caramelized sugars.
Last third introduces roasted coffee beans and charred cedar. Retrohale gets spicy (white pepper), though throat irritation creeps in past the nub. Slight tar buildup suggests stopping at 1" remaining.
Works as morning smoke for seasoned palates or evening session for medium-strength lovers. Construction consistency rivals $10+ sticks, though box purchase recommended due to occasional wrapper flaws in singles.
