Let's cut straight to this 7-inch panatela that's been rolling since 1902. La Habanera Selectos sports a Connecticut wrapper aged to caramel hues, delivering mild-medium smoke perfect with Dominican rum. At $4 per stick, it's a budget-friendly entry to Dominican heritage cigars.
The cold draw serves hay and pencil shavings. Initial puffs bring muted cedar with a sweet tea undertone - typical of young Connecticuts. Burn line wobbles slightly, requiring one correction. Ash holds firm at 1-inch intervals.
At 20-minute mark, earthiness emerges through the cream base. Noticed baking spice on retrohale (think nutmeg, not pepper). Smoke output remains moderate - no thick clouds here. Draw tightens slightly past halfway.
Last third introduces bitter cocoa without harshness. Sugar cane sweetness lingers between puffs. Stopped at 1.5" nub due to rising heat, total smoke time 55 minutes. Minimal tar buildup on lips.
Store at 65% RH - higher humidity exacerbates draw issues. Pair with light rum or black coffee. First impression? Reliable morning smoke that won't wreck your palate. Not life-changing, but comfortingly consistent.
