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.

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.

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.