This box-pressed torpedo with its oily Ecuadorian Habano wrapper commands attention. At 6"×52, the Tributo Alvaro delivers 90 minutes of medium-full intensity smoke. Priced at $196.13 for 24 cigars ($8.17/stick), it's what I'd call a "weekend warrior" stick - substantial enough for special occasions without breaking the bank.
The initial draws hit with black pepper spice that settles into roasted coffee beans. Notice how the Nicaraguan ligero creates that signature tingle on the tongue - not overwhelming, but definitely present.
Leather and cashew emerge through the smoke. I clocked three distinct transitions here: from bitter cocoa to sweet caramel, then into a cedar wood phase. The burn stayed razor-sharp despite the figurado shape's challenges.
Strength builds noticeably - dark chocolate bitterness blends with white pepper heat. At the nub, I got mineral notes reminiscent of Cuban cigars. Pro tip: purge every 10 minutes to avoid tar buildup.
The box-pressed shape held firm without soft spots. Wrapper oiliness varied slightly between cigars in the box - the darker ones leaned more peppery, lighter ones showed nuttier profiles. Smoke output surprised me - medium volume but incredibly aromatic.
Blended by the 5th-generation Quesada family, this stick carries their signature cross-seed wrapper technique. That Dominican/Nicaraguan filler combo creates what regulars call "transitional density" - starts airy, builds to creamy thickness by mid-point.
