Meet the PDR A Flores 1975 Gran Reserva Maduro Robusto - a box-pressed 5"x52 stick packing Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers under that sexy San Andres Maduro cloak. At around $13 per cigar (box of 24 for $327), this medium-bodied smoke rolls out the red carpet for Maduro lovers who dig complex flavors without throat-punch strength. The gold and burgundy band ain't just for show - it's Abe Flores' birthday tribute blend that's been aging since 2015.
Cold draw serves espresso bean and damp earth. The initial light brings charred oak and black pepper that mellows into milk chocolate by the first inch. Smoke output's decent - not fog machine levels, but enough to coat your palate. Watch that burn line though; the box press can make it canoe if you rush.
Now the Maduro magic kicks in. Molasses sweetness balances the pepper, with baking spices (think nutmeg and cinnamon) sneaking in retrohale. The ash holds strong here - I got a solid 2" before tap-off. Body creeps up to medium-plus, but nicotine stays manageable unless you're chain-puffing.
Leather and cedar take the driver's seat, with dark fruit notes (raisin/fig) playing backup. Strength peaks at medium-full but never gets jittery. The last inch gets earthy with mineral undertones - some love it, I usually ditch with ¾" left. Pro tip: pair with bourbon to amp up the vanilla undertones.
The triple-seam cap needs a clean cut - go V-cut to preserve wrapper integrity. Despite the box press, roll density stays consistent end-to-end. Wrapper oils give that Maduro gloss without being sticky. Let it rest below 65% RH though; that broadleaf can turn bitter when over-humidified.
Maduro rookies craving training wheels (smooth transition from sweet to spicy) and veterans hunting daily drivers. Not for pepper-heads or strength chasers. Works great as a 90-minute morning smoke with coffee or post-dinner digestif. Keep a few in rotation - they peak around 6 months of humidor time.
