Let's talk about the PDR 1878 Capa Sun Grown Churchill - this box-pressed Churchill measures 7" x 54 ring gauge with Ecuadorian Sun Grown Claro wrapper. The first thing you'll notice is its oily sheen and textbook construction. Priced at about $6.58 per stick in 20-count boxes, it's positioned as an affordable daily smoke for medium-bodied enthusiasts.
Pre-light notes of cedar and raisin with subtle pepper spice on the lips. The cold draw tension feels like sucking a thick milkshake through a straw - just the right resistance.
Initial burst of black pepper (about 70% intensity compared to Nicaraguan puros) followed by roasted cashews. Smoke production stays moderate - not a chimney, but consistent plumes. Retrohale brings out maple syrup sweetness that lingers on the palate.
Transitions into caramelized banana notes with increasing cedar presence. Watch for occasional tar buildup at the 40-minute mark - a quick purge brings back the cocoa powder undertones. Burn line stays razor-sharp despite the 54 ring gauge.
Leather and espresso grounds dominate, with mineral notes emerging in the last inch. About 15% of smokers report slight tongue tingle here. Nikotine kick feels like drinking a double espresso - present but manageable for intermediate smokers.
The Dominican Criollo 98 tobaccos undergo 18-month fermentation in pilones. Volcanic soil minerals from Santiago region contribute to that distinct flint-like spark in the final third. Requires 68-70% humidity for optimal performance - runs slightly hot when overhumidified.
