This massive 7x60 Churchill from PDR Cigars comes draped in a light Mexican San Andres wrapper - an unusual choice for this typically dark-leaf region. Priced at $15.08 per stick in boxes of 24, it's rolled with Nicaraguan Criollo '98 binder and a multinational filler blend. The claro version offers milder San Andres characteristics compared to its maduro sibling, making it accessible for medium-bodied smokers exploring Mexican tobacco.
First Third: Immediate cedar and baking spices dominate, with a subtle honey sweetness emerging through the light wrapper. Smoke output feels restrained initially despite the large ring gauge.
Middle Third: Nicaraguan fillers kick in with black pepper notes, balanced by Dominican tobacco's creaminess. Some users report slight tunneling issues requiring touch-ups around this stage.
Final Third: San Andres signature earthiness finally surfaces, blending with dark chocolate tones. The 60-ring format maintains cool combustion despite prolonged smoking time (90-110 mins).
Rolled using Cuban entubado technique, these cigars show tight bunches when dissected. The claro wrapper's lighter fermentation allows more filler nuance compared to traditional San Andres maduros. Recommended 62-65% humidity for optimal performance.
