This Nicaraguan puro dressed in Pennsylvania Broadleaf comes swinging with a 6x44 lonsdale format that's perfect for 90-minute sessions. At $5.70 per stick in 30-count boxes, Quesada's beer-inspired blend shows why they've been rolling since 1975. The maduro wrapper glistens with oily patches - definitely ready to smoke straight from shipment.
First Third: Immediate molasses sweetness coats the tongue. Charred oak and black pepper dominate, with baking spices (nutmeg/clove) emerging through cream-textured smoke. Draw is perfect resistance - no tunneling issues.
Middle Third: Earthiness builds alongside dark chocolate notes. The Nicaraguan binder shows its teeth with leather undertones, while retrohale reveals toasted cashews. Ash holds solid 1.5" before dropping.
Final Third: Strength ramps up noticeably. Burnt coffee grounds and mineral tang emerge, though the core sweetness persists. Stopped at nub - slight bitterness developed but no harshness.
The triple-seam cap survived a punch cut cleanly. Burn needed one minor touch-up near band area. Smoke output stayed medium throughout - decent rings but not a cloud chaser. Paired best with stout beer, overwhelmed lighter teas.
Manolo Quesada's touch shows in the balanced blending. While newer than their Oktoberfest release, the Keg line demonstrates their experimental streak without losing approachability. Not quite a yardgar but works as afternoon smoke with enough nuance to satisfy regulars.
