Smoke Notes Cigar Reviews: PDR Small Batch Reserve Robusto Habano
PDR Small Batch Reserve Robusto Habano (5×52)
W: Brazilian Habano
B: Dominican Criollo 98
F: Dominican, Nicaraguan Corojo
Factory: PDR Cigars, Tamboril, D.R.
W: Brazilian Habano
B: Dominican Criollo 98
F: Dominican, Nicaraguan Corojo
Factory: PDR Cigars, Tamboril, D.R.
Originally a limited release cigar, the PDR Small Batch Reserve Habano is back with a new look and slightly modified blend, and is now part of Abe Flores & crew’s stable of regular production smokes. The new version combines extensively aged Cuban-seed Dominican and Nicaraguan Corojo filler leaves with a Dominican Criollo 98 binder under a Brazilian Habano wrapper leaf. This unique recipe lends a full and layered flavor profile to these expertly-rolled sticks.
Notes:
- The simple red and gold band on the cigar closely resembles that of the Cuban Partagas Serie D No. 4. Take that as you will.
- This smoke started off with lots of spicy black pepper on the finish. That spice diminished rather quickly, and had just about disappeared completely after the first inch.
- Both burn and draw on this stick left very little to be desired, much like all PDR cigars that I’ve sampled.
- Right around the halfway point I began picking up a nice mocha/espresso note that was pretty interesting. It kinda made me wish I had a good cup of coffee to go with it.
- The spicy finish returned in the final third, but here it was more of a dry, baking spice taste
- If I was to describe the flavor of this cigar in just two words they would be “warm,” and “woody.”
Flavor Report: Sweet cedar, cream, fresh-ground pepper, nuts, nutmeg, cocoa, espresso
Overall: 7.5/10
A solid burn, easily enjoyable flavors, and a mellow medium body proved to be a winning combination for this smooth boutique stogie. I look forward to lighting up the maduro-wrapped version soon.
A solid burn, easily enjoyable flavors, and a mellow medium body proved to be a winning combination for this smooth boutique stogie. I look forward to lighting up the maduro-wrapped version soon.
Have you tried the PDR Small Batch Reserve Robusto Habano? If so, we’d love to hear your take on it, tell us what you thought in a comment below.
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