Let's cut straight to this torpedo-shaped beast from PDR Cigars. Measuring 6.5" with a 52 ring gauge, this figurado packs Nicaraguan and Dominican tobaccos under that oily Brazilian Habano wrapper. At $171 for 24 sticks, it's solid mid-range pricing. The "entubar" rolling method gives this medium-full smoke Cuban-style construction without the Cuban price tag.
Cold draw brings black pepper and earth. Initial puffs hit with cedar and roasted almonds - classic Cuban-esque opening. Smoke production's moderate but thick. White pepper tingles the nose retrohale. Burn line stays razor-sharp through the tapered head.
Dominican filler starts shining through. Coffee grounds replace the pepper blast, with underlying caramel sweetness. Smoke gets creamier here. Watch for slight canoeing - rotate every 2-3 puffs.
Nicaraguan leaves take over. Bitter dark chocolate dominates, with mineral notes poking through. Retrohale delivers cinnamon spice. Strength builds noticeably - newbies might tap out here. Ash holds past 1.5 inches before dropping.
The Habano wrapper glistens with oil - mine had minimal veins. Triple cap stays intact despite the pointed tip. Draw resistance varies between sticks (common in torpedoes). Pair with espresso or aged rum to counter the final third's intensity.
Intermediate smokers craving Cuban-style complexity without breaking the bank. Not ideal for quick smokes - budget 90+ minutes. Fans of Padrón's balance but wanting more spice kick. Pass if you dislike pepper-forward profiles.
