This Dominican-made toro (6"x52) sits comfortably in the $115-120/box range with its golden Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper. Unlike traditional 1878 blends, these sticks get subtle coffee infusion while keeping that signature PDR craftsmanship - triple caps, seamless roll, and minimal veins under a burgundy gold-trimmed band. Construction scores high marks with easy draw and even burn from first light.
First Third: Immediate toasted almond and creamy latte notes dominate, backed by subtle vanilla sweetness. Retrohale carries barely-there white pepper. Smoke output feels moderate - enough to fill the palate without becoming harsh.
Middle Third: Coffee bean flavor intensifies alongside emerging cedar. Some testers report caramel drizzle undertones when paired with espresso. Ash holds solid inch-plus despite 52 ring gauge. Requires one minor touch-up around midpoint.
Final Third: Maintains core profile without significant evolution. Nutty creaminess persists, though slight bitterness creeps in during last inch. Strength remains steady at medium - no nicotine punch but advises stopping before nub for cleaner finish.
Hand-rolled in PDR's Tamboril factory using Dominican fillers from Cibao Valley's mineral-rich soil. Ecuadorian wrapper grown under shade tents maintains consistent mildness. The coffee infusion process remains proprietary but doesn't overwhelm natural tobacco sweetness.
Shines as morning smoke with cappuccino or afternoon pick-me-up. Novices appreciate approachability while veterans enjoy low-maintenance session (65min avg). Not for those chasing complexity - more straightforward pleasure than flavor journey. #ConnecticutShade #MorningSmoke #CigarPairing
