Pinar Del Rio Classico Exclusivo in Toro

Today we have the PDR Classico Exclusivo in Toro.  This light tan Connecticut wrapped cigar has a few visible seems and small visible veins.  It comes in at 6 X 52.  At first light the draw has some resistance to it.  Its not plugged but is tight.  At first light there is some spicy cedar notes on the draw with a creamy cedar and black pepper on the finish.  The smoke is quite creamy in the mouth, its leaving a oil slick on my lips as well. The black pepper is a 6 out of 10 on the pepper "zing" scale.  Its the flavor and the "zing" sensation.  It can be quite intense, especially through the nose on the retro-hail.  This was something I was not expecting a Connecticut wrapped cigar.  Usually I don't get black pepper and zing sensations from them.  The burn is wavy and his having some trouble catching up on the backside.  No touch up was required during the first inch.  The body is at a solid medium and I am quite surprised by the amount of flavors that it is giving off.

Two inches in and the draw has opened up slightly.  Its no producing adequate amounts of smoke on the draw.  The draw and finish has remained the exact same as the first inch.  The burn did require a touch up after the first ash fell off.  The burn is having trouble catching up to the other side after a few more draws after the touch up.  A few more puffs and a vanilla note comes in and out on the finish.  Its faint but present and is quite sweet on the palate.

Three and a half inches down and the cigar is getting warm and mushy.  Its still giving me the same draw and finish flavors.  It is also giving me the impression that its try to go out.  A couple more puffs and indeed it did go out on its own.  I did not give it a relight.  I sat it in the ashtray for the last time at the 45 minute mark.

Price: $4.75
Appearance: 89
Draw: 88
Burn: 86
Flavor: 88
Complexity: 80
Burn Time: 86

Overall Score: 86