The Undercrown Shade Corona Pequeña from Drew Estate packs their signature Connecticut Shade blend into a compact 4x44 parejo format. This box-pressed petit corona comes 32 to a box at $144.42, delivering Drew Estate's trademark construction quality in a mild-medium smoke perfect for 45-minute sessions. The golden Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper hides Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers that create surprising complexity for its size.
The oily claro wrapper lights easily, revealing creamy cashew notes within the first few puffs. White pepper emerges on retrohale while maintaining a smooth draw. Cedar undertones balance the initial sweetness, avoiding the grassy sharpness common in cheaper Connecticuts.
At mid-point, baking spices intensify as Nicaraguan fillers assert themselves. Cinnamon and allspice layers develop under the sustained cream base. Smoke production remains moderate, with the compact size requiring slower pacing to prevent overheating.
Despite its petit size, the blend maintains structural integrity down to the nub. Almond sweetness fades into earthy cedar, while a subtle citrus zest appears in the aroma. Retrohale gains mild white pepper tingle without becoming harsh.
The triple cap and box-pressed shape exhibited perfect combustion throughout. Minimal relighting required despite the 44-ring gauge. Drew Estate's signature "bunched" feel provides consistent resistance without overpacking.
Rolled at Drew Estate's Estelí factory, this blend combines Dominican sweetness with Nicaraguan spice precision. The Indonesian binder maintains combustion stability while letting the Ecuadorian wrapper shine. Ideal moisture content (68-70% RH) prevents wrapper splitting common in thinner Connecticut leaves.
