Once an even light is established, I find a balanced, full-bodied, dense profile with notes of rich cocoa, espresso, musty earth, cereals, and cayenne heat. The texture is powdery—it’s hard to smoke this cigar without thinking about cocoa powder—and I would be remiss if I did not mention the nicotine intensity, which is typically something I don’t notice, even in strong cigars. Here, it’s noticeable but not overbearing.

I also can’t stress enough how heavy the overall taste is. This is a palate-coating cigar that lays a thick blanket of flavor that will drown out almost any beverage. As far as pairings go, I would suggest sipping neat a smoky Islay whiskey like Laphroaig, Ardbeg, or Lagavulin.

Construction is masterful. Expect generous smoke production, a straight burn that requires no touch-ups, a smooth draw, and a white ash that holds very well off the foot.

When smoking the Mi Querida Triqui Traca, one cannot help make comparisons to the original Mi Querida. As mentioned, the Triqui Traca delivers on being a bolder offering from the original Mi Querida. The original Mi Querida is one that has a dirty, gritty profile with some damp and musty qualities (that work in favor of the overall flavor profile). The Triqui Traca No. 552 did not have those qualities. While I wouldn’t necessarily describe this cigar as “elegant and refined”, it definitely is smoother than the original. Overall I found the flavors produced to be very enjoyable. Given the Mi Querida Triqui Traca No. 552 is a bolder cigar, this is one I would steer to a more seasoned cigar enthusiast. As for myself, this is a cigar I would smoke again – and its one that should get box worthy consideration when purchasing.

Sequels and spinoffs aren't typically known for their originality, nearly always falling short in comparison to the original work. But then there are some that break the mold and take on a life of their own, as is the case with Dunbarton's Mi Querida Triqui Traca. Despite having largely the same recipe (at least on paper), the cigar seems to have little in common with the blend it builds off of. Had I smoked the two cigars blind and side by side, I don't think I'd find much in common between the two outside shared traits of balance and quality construction. Despite the perception of added strength, Triqui Traca doesn't come off as such, apart from a dense smoking texture that elicits a chewing motion long after each draw (as you would when whiskey tasting). The cigar brings body with balance, positioned in such a way that it doesn't come off as strong. This includes a solid foundation of pepper and mineral, with added depth coming from a salty-sweet finish that can be somewhat cryptic and hard to pin down; these factors combine for a superb experience for the seasoned palate.