This Dominican-made Robusto delivers textbook Connecticut Shade elegance in a 5×52 format. At $8 per stick (box of 20 for $161.62), it's positioned as an affordable daily smoke with above-average construction. The silky Ecuadorian wrapper hides Criollo 98 tobaccos that create milder intensity than typical Dominican blends.
The cold draw offers sweet hay notes. Upon lighting, expect roasted almonds and graham cracker flavors with faint honey undertones. Smoke production leans moderate - not overwhelming for morning smokers. Watch for occasional uneven burns near the shoulder during this phase.
Cardamom spice emerges around the 1-inch mark, complementing the dominant cedar wood core. Retrohales reveal floral accents (think chamomile tea) with subtle mineral crispness. Ash holds solid in 1-inch segments when properly humidified.
Last third transitions to creamier territory - vanilla custard mixed with caramelized sugar notes dominate. Pepper spices intensify slightly but never overpower. Nicotine buildup remains manageable, making this suitable for 60-75 minute sessions.
Rolled at PDR's Santiago facility using their triple-fermentation process: initial bulk fermentation removes grassy notes, followed by oak barrel aging (adds baking spice qualities), finishing with low-temperature curing to preserve natural sweetness. The Connecticut Shade wrapper ages 18 months before rolling.
Pair with light roast coffee or wheat beers. Avoid over-humidification - keep at 65% RH for optimal combustion. Boxes from 2020/2021 batches show improved draw consistency. #CigarLife #MorningSmoke
