Rolling in at 7"x54, the PDR 1878 Capa Natural Churchill delivers Nicaraguan-Dominican fusion in a classic parejo format. Priced at $131.67 for a box of 20, this medium-strength stick combines an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper with Dominican Criollo 98 binder and filler tobaccos. The Churchill's construction shows PDR's signature tight roll, triple cap and Colorado Claro hue with occasional oily sheen. First puffs reveal why this blend consistently scores 90+ points - approachable enough for newer smokers yet layered for veterans.
First Third: Creamy cashew notes lead with white pepper tickle. Cedar planks emerge alongside honey-drizzled graham crackers. Smoke output stays moderate - no overwhelming clouds here.
Middle Third: Earthiness ramps up as espresso beans grind through the sweetness. Leather undertones develop while that signature creaminess prevents the profile from going full rustic. Burn line holds steady with occasional touch-ups needed.
Final Third: Charred oak joins the party as nicotine builds. Dark cocoa powder dusts the palate while black pepper reappears in the nostrils. Wisps of floral notes surprise before the earthy base reclaims dominance. Most users cut it at the 60-minute mark as tar accumulation increases.
The Jalapa-grown Criollo 98 wrapper provides subtle sweetness over Dominican filler's nutty base. Binder leaves from Dominican Piloto Cubano add structural integrity and spice modulation. PDR's Tamboril factory rolling ensures consistent bunching - no soft spots reported in recent production batches.
