Meet the PDR El Trovador A Flores Rosado Robusto - a box-pressed 5"x52 stick from Dominican Republic that's been getting cigar lounge chatter since 2013. Crafted by Abe Flores, this medium-full bodied smoke uses an Ecuadorian Rosado wrapper hugging Nicaraguan fillers, selling at about $7.40 per stick in boxes of 24. The slightly box-pressed shape feels substantial between fingers, with visible oil streaks promising good aging potential.
The triple-seam cap punches cleanly, revealing perfect draw resistance. First inch serves peppered cedar with maple syrup sweetness, burning razor-straight with salt-and-pepper ash. Transitioning into second third, the smoke thickens with baking spices - think nutmeg-dusted almonds over latte foam.
Opens with black pepper kick settling into roasted cashews. Retrohale brings cinnamon sugar through the nose. Ash holds firm past 1.5" before first tap.
Leather notes emerge at band removal, balanced by melted brown sugar. Watch for occasional tar buildup requiring extra purge around halfway mark.
Last inch intensifies with unsweetened cocoa and mineral earthiness. Strength creeps into full territory - better suited for after-dinner than morning smoke.
Box-press sharpness varies slightly between samples. Wrapper coloration ranges from terra cotta to mahogany, though all specimens tested maintained structural integrity. Average smoke time: 68 minutes. Pair with Dominican rum or oat milk latte to complement its sweet-spicy balance.
