This box-pressed robusto from PDR's 1975 series brings serious texture with its Ecuadorian sun-grown wrapper. At 5"×52 ring gauge, these 24-count boxed sticks clock in at $302.54 - solid value for the complex Dominican-Nicaraguan blend. I burned through three samples over a rainy weekend, noticing the wrappers darkened slightly from cedar-aged humidity control.
First Third: Immediate dry cedar and baking spices dominate, with toasted almond undertones. Smoke output feels restrained - about 60% volume compared to typical Maduro wrappers.
Middle Third: Earthy notes emerge alongside black tea tannins. The Dominican Corojo adds subtle creaminess balancing the Nicaraguan pepper. Burn line holds razor-straight without touch-ups.
Final Third: Intensity spikes at 45-minute mark. Charred oak and dark chocolate bitterness develops, requiring slower draws to avoid harshness. The ash held firm for 1.5" segments.
