When you pull a dark San Andrés wrapper out of the humidor after a month at sixty-five percent humidity, you expect a heavy earthiness right off the bat. This particular stick did not disappoint on the cold draw, offering subtle cocoa and dried raisin without any harsh pre-light bitterness.
First Third and Initial Burn Line
Lighting up with a cedar spill took a few patient passes, but the foot toasted evenly without scorching the oily leaf. The first few puffs delivered thick white smoke and a slight black pepper bite on the retrohale that settled down quickly into rich leather.
Holding Ash Through the Second Third
By the second third, the burn line stayed razor sharp, holding a tight gray ash past the two-inch mark before falling naturally into the tray. The profile shifted toward dark chocolate and toasted walnut, keeping a remarkably easy draw that required zero touch-ups with the torch.
Final Thoughts for Your Everyday Rotation
Nuance can be overrated when all you want on a Tuesday night is a slow, reliable burn that holds up to a heavy pour. If you appreciate robust tobacco flavor that does not turn sour near the band, keep three of these stacked in your desktop humidor.