Let's talk about the PDR Small Batch Reserve Habano Gran Toro - a 6x54 parejo that's been making waves in the boutique cigar scene. This Dominican-made stick with a Brazilian Habano wrapper rolls in at $6.75 per cigar when buying a box of 24. The triple-layer construction combines Dominican binder with Nica/DR filler, offering medium-full strength that'll keep you company for a solid 90-minute smoke session. First impressions? That oily reddish-brown wrapper looks like it could survive a rainstorm.
The cold draw serves up raisin sweetness before ignition. First puffs hit with Cuban-esque barnyard through the nose - think damp cedar and black pepper that lingers on the tongue. Retrohale brings unexpected citrus zest cutting through the spice.
At the 1-inch mark, transitions to espresso grounds and charred steak crust. Smoke output doubles, creating dense clouds that carry baking spice aromas. Watch for occasional tunneling if you rush the puff cadence.
Nearing the band, mineral notes emerge like licking a granite countertop. The last inch amps up nicotine with unsweetened cocoa bitterness. Smart to nub it before the tar buildup turns acrid.
The Cuban-style entubado rolling shows in its springy resistance to finger-squeeze test. Pre-light aroma carries unexpected floral hints beneath the typical barnyard. Burn line stays within 1/8" variance without touch-ups. Ash holds firm in one-inch increments - no premature flaking here.
PDR's Gran Toro slots between daily driver and special occasion smoke. It outperforms most sub-$8 cigars in complexity, though demands slower smoking than its girth suggests. Perfect for bourbon drinkers who want spice without harshness. Just keep that cutter handy for cap repairs - these triple-seams can be stubborn.
