Let's cut straight to this 6 5/8" x 42 Lonsdale with its Ecuadorian Habano wrapper that's been double-fermented for four years. At $8.59 per stick in 20-count boxes, this Dominican-Nicaraguan blended tribute to H. Upmann's founder delivers more kick than your typical morning smoke.
Pre-light: Barnyard aroma with cedar hints. Straight-cut draw reveals raisin sweetness and white pepper tingle on lips.
First Third: Black coffee bitterness cuts through thick smoke output. Nicaraguan leaf shows its teeth with pepper spice retrohale while Dominican tobacco keeps earthy base notes in check.
Mid-Section: Cocoa powder emerges as core flavor. Cedar transitions to roasted nuttiness. Watch for uneven burn line - this blend demands slow pacing to prevent canoeing.
Final Stretch: Leather and charred oak dominate. Nicotine strength becomes pronounced at 45-minute mark. Retrohale cautiously - lingering red pepper heat intensifies near nub.
The La Alianza-rolled specimens I tested showed minor wrapper veining but impeccable cap construction. Average smoke time: 65 minutes. Recommend 65% RH storage - lower humidity prevents tight draws in slender vitola.
Pro Tip: Pair with mineral water to cleanse palate between peppery phases. Coffee amplifies bitter notes unnecessarily.
