This chunky 6x60 Toro from Drew Estate punches above its price point with Nicaraguan guts wrapped in Ecuadorian sunshine. The oily Sumatra seed wrapper gleams like motor oil under good lighting - a visual promise of the 90-minute flavor ride ahead. At $10-$12 per stick in 12-count boxes, it's built for weekly rotation rather than special occasions.
Cold draw delivers damp earth and unsweetened cocoa powder. Initial puffs blast black pepper that settles into cedar planks and raw cashews after 1/2". Ash holds firm for 25+ minutes. Watch the wavy burn line - needs occasional touch-ups if rushed.
Pepper fades behind molasses sweetness as the Habano binder kicks in. Distinct espresso grounds emerge with roasted almond undertones. Retrohale brings hickory smoke and burnt caramel. Smoke output thickens - generates proper clouds without overwhelming.
Strength builds past the band. Dark chocolate bitterness balances the sweet core. Occasional metallic twang appears if smoked fast. Last inch intensifies with leather and chili powder. Cut it at 45-50 minutes unless you enjoy nicotine headrush.
The triple cap holds firm through multiple cuts. No soft spots detected in recent 2024 boxes. Let these rest at 65% RH - the oily wrapper tends to weep in higher humidity. Box code NCR JUL 23 samples showed consistent roll density.
