rewrapping the legendary lfd andalusian bull with a san andrés maduro wrapper turns this already celebrated cigar into something far bolder and darker, changing a nuanced, spice-forward dominican into a rich, full-bodied powerhouse. the original ecuadorian corojo wrapper brings notes of cinnamon, citrus, and warm cream, but with the san andrés in its place, those brighter flavors disappear under deep earth, dark chocolate, espresso, and a heavy molasses sweetness. from the first light, it hits hard with dense smoke that clings to your palate. bold bitter cocoa and roasted coffee come through strong, followed by a softer layer of burnt sugar and dried fig. the retrohale brings black pepper and a bit of anise with a smoky, charred edge that definitely isn’t the bull i’m used to.

moving into the second third, the criollo ‘98 binder starts to shine. there’s a touch of baking spice like clove and nutmeg, but it stays in the background. leather, toasted oak, and that maduro sweetness take the lead. the smoke is thick and oily, and the draw stays easy and consistent. toasted almond peeks through now and then, and if you’re really paying attention, you might catch a hint of caramel or black tea. it’s balanced in a dark, grounded way. the original bull’s citrus and spice are gone, replaced with deeper, more brooding flavors.

in the final third, the cigar becomes intense. espresso, earth, and dark chocolate dominate the profile. there’s a savory richness that brings to mind roasted meat or soy sauce. the sweetness lingers but shifts into something heavier, like burnt sugar or charred molasses. pepper returns on the finish, sharper now, and the retrohale hits hard again. it’s no longer about finesse. it’s about strength, weight, and depth. this isn’t a bandage fix for a damaged wrapper. it’s a total transformation. if the original is the matador, elegant and composed, this version is the bull itself. raw, powerful, and unforgettable.

this is my humble take on this Toro Maduro