Let's cut straight to the chase with PDR's Small Batch Reserve Maduro Petit Robusto - a box-pressed powerhouse measuring 3.5" x 52 ring gauge that packs Dominican/Nicaraguan guts into its compact frame. At $137.16 per box of 24, this medium-full stick offers quick satisfaction for lunch break warriors. The dark Dominican Habano Maduro wrapper glistens with oily sheen, hiding a complex core of Criollo 98 binder and Corojo fillers.
Cold draw brings sweet raisin notes. Initial puffs explode with black coffee bitterness tempered by molasses sweetness - think Cuban café cubano. Ash holds tight at 1.5 inches, smoke output moderate but aromatic.
Flavor shifts gear at 15-minute mark: roasted almonds emerge with charred cedar undertones. Retrohale reveals white pepper tingle without harshness. Burn stays razor-sharp despite box-press shape.
Last inch brings unexpected cacao powder dryness. Nicotine kick (6/10 intensity) surfaces around 45-minute mark. No relights needed but tar buildup warrants early retirement at 1.5" nub.
The triple-cap finish shows Flores' Cuban heritage - no visible seams. Box-press maintains structure through entire smoke. Draw resistance sits at perfect 6/10 (1=plugged, 10=wind tunnel). Maduro wrapper exhibits minimal veinage with toothy texture.
At $5.71 per stick, it outperforms most sub-$8 maduros in construction consistency. Ideal for seasoned smokers wanting full flavor in short format. Newcomers may find final third intensity challenging - pair with demerara rum to balance dryness.
