Let's kick things off with the Don Diego Aniversario Belicoso No.2 - this celebratory torpedo commemorates the brand's 40th anniversary with a 52-ring gauge, 6 1/9" figurado shape that's slightly bulkier than traditional belicosos. Priced at $9.52 per stick in boxes of 25, it's positioned as an affordable luxury with medium-full strength that'll make your taste buds perk up after dinner.
Pre-light aromas mix raisin sweetness with leather undertones. The torpedo head cuts cleanly revealing tight bunching - initial draw resistance requires multiple clips to optimize airflow.
Immediate black pepper spice hits the tongue then mellows into molasses sweetness. Noticeable dark cocoa powder texture coats the palate, with the Sumatra wrapper delivering that signature cedar woodiness. Smoke output remains moderate despite the 52-ring gauge.
Dominican filler takes center stage - roasted coffee beans and cashew nut flavors emerge. Retrohale brings out faint cinnamon notes though the Connecticut Broadleaf binder maintains earthy balance. Burn line stays razor-sharp without corrections.
Nicaraguan tobacco components add leather intensity while Peruvian leaf contributes subtle dried fruit sweetness. Last inch develops pleasant charred oak character with minimal tar buildup. Total smoke time averages 85 minutes.
Rolled at Tabacalera de García using their signature "entubado" bunching method. Three-year-aged tobaccos show excellent combustion properties - average ash retention exceeds 1.5" despite the tapered head. Performs best at 65% RH with minimal wrapper splitting issues reported.
