Let's talk about the VegaFina Fortaleza 2 Short Belicoso - a 4-inch figurado with 52 ring gauge that packs medium-strength flavors into its compact frame. Priced at $54.09 per box of 10, this Dominican-made stick features an oily Mexican Criollo wrapper that practically winks at you from the humidor. The "2" in its name hints at slightly bolder character than VegaFina's classic line, perfect for those transitional moments between morning coffee and evening cocktails.
The first inch serves up dry cedar notes with underlying cocoa powder texture. Burn line stays razor-sharp despite the tapered head, producing dense white ash that holds firm. Smoke output remains moderate - enough for flavor projection without overwhelming indoor spaces.
Roasted almonds and black pepper dominate, with faint vanilla sweetness hiding in the retrohale. Construction shows its Tabacalera de García pedigree - flawless draw resistance that Goldilocks would approve.
Earth tones emerge alongside coffee bean bitterness. The Dominican filler tobacco starts flexing with subtle leather notes. Watch for occasional cinnamon spice spikes around the band removal point.
Dark chocolate intensity builds while maintaining balance. Some smokers report mineral notes similar to Cuban soil profiles. Nubability depends on nicotine tolerance - stops comfortably before becoming harsh.
The Mexican wrapper shows impressive elasticity - no cracking despite quick humidity changes. Triple-seam cap withstands multiple punch cuts. Box date tracking shows optimal performance after 60-90 days humidor rest.
Morning coffee enhances its cocoa elements, while aged rum brings out hidden caramel tones. Avoid overly sweet cocktails that might clash with its natural dryness.
