This 7.5"x50 Churchill from Vega Real packs full-bodied power in glass tube packaging, carrying over a century of Dominican heritage since its 1914 debut. The blend combines sun-grown and shade-grown leaves from El Cibao's mineral-rich valleys, wrapped in Cameroon-seed leaf with Cuban/Dominican filler tobaccos. At $109.80 per box of 20, it delivers old-world charm through modern presentation.
Opens with heavy nutty earth flavors and cocoa powder sweetness. The Cameroon wrapper delivers faint cinnamon through medium smoke output. Burns razor-straight with firm ash retention, though tight draws occasionally require corrective cuts.
Black coffee bitterness emerges, balanced by molasses undertones. Retrohale reveals red pepper flakes and charred oak notes. Construction holds steady with no relights needed, though nicotine begins accumulating noticeably.
Dark chocolate and spiced oak dominate as sweet elements fade. Peppery buzz intensifies in the throat while tar builds at the head. Recommend stopping at 1.5" nub to avoid harshness - full 90-minute smoke possible but physically demanding.
The glass tube preserves perfect humidity but creates initial over-humidification issues. Recommend 2-week dry boxing before smoking. Veins visible under oily wrapper indicate authentic Cameroon leaf, though some show minor imperfections near the foot.
