El Pulpo by Artesano del Tobacco Toro Grande Box-Pressed 6″ * 56

The El Pulpo by Artesano del Tobacco Toro Grande Box-Pressed is a San Andrés-wrapped box-pressed gordo from El Pulpo, handmade in Nicaragua. El Pulpo, Spanish for the octopus, is made by AJ Fernandez.

It blends a Mexican San Andrés wrapper over a Nicaraguan binder and filler at a medium to full body, leading with cocoa, espresso, black pepper, and a sweet, almost-syrupy dark earth. At 6 by 56, the box press gives it crisp edges and a slow, even burn.

For years Mexican leaf had a reputation for being rough, mostly because it was used raw as cheap binder. Fermented properly for wrapper it became the maduro standard, and San Andres now dresses cigars at every price.

Pairs well with bourbon, espresso, or porter.