6 1/8 x 52

Wrapper: San Andres Marron (Mexico)

Binder: Nicaragua

Filler: Honduras and Nicaragua

Here be another Altadis cigar with a brand name borrowed (in the loosest sense) from a traditional Cuban make. The original was created in the 40’s by Simon Palaez in the Pinar del Rio region and designed to be a discount, bargain smoke. Charles del Tedesco’s The Havana Cigar, (1997) lists only three sizes, and says each one is “for beginners.” Elsewhere I’ve read that they are considered to be a collector’s item due to their scarcity.

The Honduran variety may be considered a bargain cigar as well. Both the Natural and the Maduro fall in the 3 to 5 dollar range, and both are pretty decent cigars.

The Maduro is a square pressed, medium bodied, sweet smoke with a bite. Not a very nuanced cigar, but reasonable for the price. It starts out a little rough, and doesn’t get real friendly at any point. At the halfway point it picks up a musky element, which is a nice counterpoint to the sweet aroma. A short finish. Don’t think I would ever nub this one.

My only serious criticism of the belicoso is the construction: a loose roll, which I think may contribute to the bite, and an uneven burn which required three or four touch ups with a torch. (I haven’t had this problem with the toro.) But even with these flaws, at 3 bucks a pop it’s a good value everyday cigar.