Drew Estate's Undercrown Maduro Gordito brings a beefy 6"x60 format to the table at $255.23 per box of 25. This dark Nicaraguan puro features a San Andrés Maduro wrapper that glistens like melted dark chocolate. The box-pressed parejo shape feels substantial in hand, though new smokers might find the 60-ring gauge a bit chunky for comfortable holding.
First Third: Immediate coffee bean and malted milk ball notes with visible oil rings on the wrapper. Smoke production stays moderate despite the large ring gauge.
Mid Section: Develops charred oak characteristics with an earthy undertone reminiscent of fresh potting soil. The draw tightens slightly around the 45-minute mark - common in thicker vitolas.
Final Stretch: Dark chocolate bitterness emerges but stays balanced by lingering sweetness. Requires one purge at the 75-minute point to maintain flavor clarity.
The double-fermented San Andrés wrapper shows minimal vein structure after 6 months of aging in Drew Estate's Estelí facility. While marketed as "smooth", the high priming leaves deliver noticeable tongue tingle that casual smokers might confuse for harshness. Pair with mineral water or Guinness to counterbalance the earthy core.
