Drew Estate's Undercrown 10 Corona Viva struts into humidors as the 10th-anniversary star of the Undercrown line, packing a 5-inch by 43-ring parejo frame that feels substantial without being bulky. This Nicaraguan puro comes dressed in a slick Mexican San Andres maduro wrapper that glistens with oily promise. At around $9.60 per stick in 20-count boxes, it sits comfortably in the mid-premium tier for daily smokes.
The cold draw punches with black pepper and raisin sweetness. Lighting reveals immediate coffee ground bitterness that morphs into dark chocolate within three puffs. Smoke production stays moderate - not the fog machine of some Liga Privadas, but enough to satisfy.
Earthy core flavors dominate with damp forest floor notes. Retrohale brings baking spices - specifically nutmeg and allspice. Ash holds tight for about 1.5 inches before flaking. Draw resistance feels like sucking a thick milkshake through a straw, requiring deliberate pacing.
At the halfway point, leathery tannins emerge alongside molasses sweetness. The nicotine kick becomes noticeable (4/5 strength). Pairing with black coffee amplifies cocoa powder nuances. Burn line stays razor-sharp without touch-ups.
Last inch introduces charred oak and espresso bitterness. Tar buildup starts affecting flavor purity around the nub. Most smokers will want to put it down with about 1.5 inches remaining. Post-smoke aroma leaves lingering cedar notes.
The triple-seam cap requires precise cutter alignment - V-cut works better than guillotine. Wrapper seams stay intact through multiple relights. Box date codes show consistent 12-18 month aging from Estelí factory rolls.
Maintain at 65% RH for optimal performance. Higher humidity exacerbates draw tightness. Dry-box for 8 hours before smoking if stored in 69%+ environments. Wrapper becomes fragile below 62% humidity.
