Let's cut to the chase - the PDR Small Batch Reserve Habano Petit Robusto packs serious flavor in its 3.5"x52 frame. This box-pressed dominican puro hits with medium-full strength that'll make your taste buds sit up straight. At $137.16 for 24 sticks, it's what I'd call a "weekend warrior" smoke - substantial enough to savor but won't break the bank.
The initial puff delivers black pepper that tingles the tongue - not subtle, but satisfying. Underneath the spice, I get charred oak and a faint licorice sweetness. Smoke production? Generous without being overwhelming. Burn line stays sharp as a razor - no touch-ups needed here.
Here's where the magic happens. The pepper mellows into roasted coffee bean territory with a touch of cinnamon roll glaze. Body shifts from medium to solid medium-full. Watch out - the nicotine starts creeping up around this point. Keep a sugary drink handy.
Leather and mineral notes take center stage. The sweetness fades into espresso bitterness, but in a good way - like that last sip of a quality Cuban coffee. I usually nub it before the last inch to avoid tar buildup.
Rolled in PDR's Dominican factory using the Cuban entubado method - that tight spiral bunched filler you see in premium sticks. The Habano wrapper gets its muscle from Brazilian soil, while the Nicaraguan filler brings that familiar earthy punch. Fun fact: These blenders originally operated as Pinar Del Río before rebranding to honor their Dominican home.
