This 6x60 Nicaraguan puro packs medium-full intensity into its gran toro frame, retailing at $150/box of 20. The Jalapa Claro version sports a light Colorado wrapper grown under shade - a collaborative effort between legendary blenders Manuel Quesada and Nestor Plasencia. Perfectly rolled at Plasencia's Segovia factory, it's become a go-to for smokers wanting complex flavors without breaking the bank.
The initial puffs deliver creamy cashews and honey sweetness through easy draws. Cool smoke carries subtle cedar notes with zero peppery bite - surprisingly approachable for Nicaraguan tobacco. The pale wrapper leaves faint oil residue on lips.
At the 1" mark, cinnamon spice emerges to balance the sweetness. Earthy undertones develop resembling damp forest soil, while the smoke texture thickens slightly. Watch for occasional canoeing if smoked too fast.
Nicotine strength becomes noticeable past the band point. Coffee grounds and dark chocolate dominate as the smoke turns drier. Most smokers stop before the nub due to accumulating bitterness, clocking 90-minute sessions on average.
The Jalapa Valley's volcanic soil shines through in the filler's earthy core, while the Ecuador-grown wrapper (from Cuban seed stock) adds sweetness. Unlike many Nicaraguan puros, the blend uses primarily sun-grown leaves for deeper flavor concentration.
