The PDR AFR-75 Catador Maduro hits hard with its 4" x 54 petit corona frame - an uncommon size that packs Nicaraguan firepower under a Mexican San Andres maduro cloak. At $12.50/stick in 24-count boxes, this compact smoke delivers construction perfection via PDR's Cuban-style entubado bunching. Four master rollers handle the blend's tri-nation fillers (US, DR, Nicaragua) bound by Criollo '98 leaf. The limited edition band whispers exclusivity, though the real flex is surviving Full strength in such a short format.
The cold draw tastes like bitter cocoa powder. Initial puffs bring scorched earth and espresso grounds - zero sweetness upfront. Thick smoke pours out despite tight draw. Ash holds firm while pepper builds under the tongue.
At 15 minutes, the Nicaraguan core emerges through charred oak and black coffee notes. Retrohale stings with wasabi-like heat. Filler tobacco's sweetness tries balancing the wrapper's burnt character, but body keeps climbing.
Last inch turns meaty - imagine beef jerky marinade mixing with maduro's dark chocolate. Tar buildup demands frequent purges. Nicotine punch creeps up at 45-minute mark despite small size. Quit before nub to avoid headache.
Rolled in Santiago's PDR factory using Dominican bunching techniques. San Andres wrapper undergoes extended fermentation to develop black coffee tones. Filler leaves from Estelí add pepper kick, while Dominican Olor ligero boosts nicotine. U.S.-grown Pennsylvania broadleaf contributes caramelized sugar notes buried under the maduro's char.
