Let's talk about the VegaFina Classic Churchill - a 7.5"x50 parejo that's become the "office cigar" for many smokers. Priced at $155.23 per box of 20, this Dominican-made stick with Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper surprises with its creamy smoke output and 90-minute burn time. While technically a Churchill, it smokes more like a mellow robusto thanks to the clever blending of Dominican and Colombian fillers.
First Third: Opens with damp cedar notes and white pepper sparkles. The cold draw gives sweet hay, while initial puffs reveal walnut skin bitterness that morphs into roasted almonds by the 1" mark. Retrohale shows faint cinnamon.
Middle Third: Cream texture builds as Honduran tobacco comes forward. Baking spices (nutmeg/clove) mix with Colombian coffee undertones. Watch for occasional mineral sharpness near the band - this is when pairing with sparkling water helps.
Final Third: Dominican volado leaves shine with caramel sweetness, though some report papery aftertaste if smoked past 2". Ash holds firm but tends to canoe in humid conditions. Nicotine kick remains gentle - perfect for morning sessions.
Rolled at Tabacalera de García's tropical aging rooms where 72% RH is maintained. The Connecticut wrapper undergoes 18-month fermentation - longer than usual, explaining its smoothness. Interesting fact: 15% of each batch gets "bonus aging" in Spanish cedar for 6 extra months as quality control samples.
