Let's talk about the PDR Small Batch Reserve Maduro Wicked Pug No.3 - this 6"x60 figurado-shaped beast comes packed in boxes of 12 at $129.60 a pop. The Brazilian Habano wrapper glistens with oily sheen, housing Dominican Criollo 98 binder and a spicy Nicaraguan/Dominican filler blend. Abe Flores' crew rolls these using the Cuban entubado method, promising tight construction and complex flavor delivery.
The initial puffs hit with dark chocolate sweetness backed by espresso bitterness. Smoke output feels restrained - not a cloud chucker. Draw stays open despite the 60-ring girth, burning evenly through the pigtail cap. Watch for occasional pepper spikes on retrohale.
At the halfway mark, earth tones emerge - think damp forest floor mixed with cedar planks. The Dominican filler brings creaminess that balances Nicaragua's spice. Some testers note slight tunneling issues here if smoked too fast. Keep it slow for optimal flavor extraction.
The last third intensifies with black coffee bitterness and cinnamon heat. Nik kick becomes noticeable despite the "medium" rating - newcomers might feel it in the temples. Smoke time averages 90 minutes. Pair with anise-forward spirits like ouzo to cut through the richness.
