This robusto stogie punches above its weight with a 5x52 frame wrapped in Ecuadorian sun-kissed leaf. At around $5.5 per stick in boxes of 20, it's what I'd call a "Tuesday night luxury" - pricey enough to feel special but won't bankrupt your humidor. The triple Dominican filler blend gives medium-bodied smokers that Goldilocks zone of flavor without overwhelming newcomers.
The first inch hits with baking spices - think nutmeg-dusted coffee beans. Around the midpoint, the Dominican fillers flex their muscles with roasted walnut flavors that transition into bittersweet cocoa. Watch for uneven burns past the band - I've had a few runners that needed corrective toasting.
The Ecuadorian wrapper shows characteristic sun-grown texture - visible tooth and faint variegation that catches light like aged leather. I recommend dry-boxing for 12 hours before lighting to mitigate occasional tight draws. While not a nicotine bomb, the ligero leaves enough strength to satisfy afternoon cravings without evening jitters.
PDR's Dominican roots shine through the Criollo 98 tobaccos, aged in pilones for that signature caramelized sweetness. The Ecuador wrapper adds just enough bitterness to balance the equation - imagine dark chocolate dipped in sea salt. It's this tug-of-war between sweet and savory that keeps the palate engaged down to the nub.
