This box-pressed corona gorda from PDR Cigars clocks in at 6"x46 with medium-full strength. Marketed around $189 per box of 24, it sports an oily Ecuadorian Rosado wrapper that grabs attention before lighting. The press creates clean edges that fit nicely between fingers. Burn time hits about 55 minutes - perfect for a relaxed afternoon smoke without nicotine overload.
The triple-seam cap shows expert rolling technique. Minimal veins run through the rosado leaf, which feels slightly toothy under fingertips. Cold draw reveals faint raisin sweetness paired with that signature Dominican earthiness.
Initial puffs deliver black pepper spike that settles into roasted almonds. Retrohale pushes through cedar with baking spices - think nutmeg, not cinnamon. Smoke production stays moderate but consistent.
Transition happens at 25-minute mark. Creaminess emerges alongside bitter cocoa notes. Watch for occasional tar buildup if you smoke too fast. Ash holds solid inch-plus despite the box press.
Last third brings damp earth and espresso grounds. Strength creeps up to full territory - obvious nicotine warmth in the chest. Stopped at nub with 15% left due to slight harshness. No relights needed.
Blender Abe Flores pulled inspiration from vintage Cuban vitolas and LA's music scene. The dual binders combine Nicaraguan viso and Dominican seco leaves, wrapped in Ecuador's rosado leaf - a modern take on multi-country blending. Rolled in PDR's Santiago factory, it represents their shift from regional to global tobacco sourcing.
