Let's cut straight to this chunky Dominican stick - the PDR El Criollito Short Gordo packs serious flavor into its 4.25-inch x 58-ring frame. Originally made for European aficionados, this box-pressed parejo now conquers U.S. humidors with aged Dominican/Nicaraguan filler tobaccos wrapped in dark Ecuadorian Criollo 98 leaf. At about $6 per cigar in 24-count boxes, it punches way above its price class.
The cold draw gives earthy barnyard notes. Lighting reveals instant coffee grounds and charred oak. Smoke production stays moderate - no chimney effect here. Watch the burn line; needs occasional touch-ups.
Nicaraguan tobacco shows its spine with white pepper tingle. Swirls of semi-sweet chocolate emerge under burnt caramel. Retrohale brings out baking spices - think nutmeg and allspice.
Leather and mineral notes dominate as the smoke gets denser. Lingering black tea leaves aftertaste with faint honey sweetness. Moderate nicotine kick - about equal to a Fuente Hemingway.
The triple-cap finish holds firm through multiple V-cuts. Dominican "Entubado" rolling technique shows in perfect combustion - no tunneling despite the 58-ring girth. Average smoke time: 65 minutes.
Dry-box for 48 hours before smoking. The San Andrés binder tends to hold moisture - this helps prevent bitter notes in the final third.
