My Weekend Cigar: PDR ACME Seleccion No. 1

An Everyday Cigar That Goes Beyond the Ordinary

Acme Seleccion No. 1 cigars originated in Cuba somewhere during the late 1800s. It was originally marketed as a Cuban cigar line to be sold in the United States. It even received a fair amount of success before it was discontinued during the 1930s. The Acme brand resurfaced in 2015 with a Nicaraguan version, but it never quite made it. Or to use an “ACME” reference associated with those who remember the Roadrunner cartoons—it bombed.

In 2023 Abe Flores, blender and founder of PDR Cigars brought it back for a third time charm. Abe and his talented team resuscitated Acme as a medium-bodied, regular-production line rolled in three shapes: Corona, Robusto, and Toro. Offered in boxes of 10 cigars, Abe also put a very reasonable price on them. Also worth mentioning are the retro-designed boxes and bands that look like cigars sold during the 1940s and 50s.

Cigar Details:

Factory: PDR Cigars - Tamboril, Dom. Rep.
Size: 6” x 52
Strength: Medium
Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut Shade
Binder: Indonesian
Filler: Dominican Seco & Ligero, U.S. Connecticut Broadleaf

Presented in boxes of 10

PDR Acme Seleccion No.1 Toro Cigar Review

The cigar was excellently rolled and firm throughout. The color of the Connecticut Shade wrapper was an even beige with a few veins embossing the surface. The triple cap was well done with even parallel seams; all things considered, this Toro had a classy appearance.

Once clipped, the draw offered just right amount of resistance and a kind of grassy flavor. Once lit, it immediately offered a bright toasty-nutty flavor and a creamy mellowness. Even the burn got off to a good start.

Through the first third the smoke was very smooth, creamy, and mellow in body and strength with a mostly toasted nut flavor underscored by a thinner, woody layer.

At the midsection, the cigar continued to burn well and was still mostly nutty. It was now creamier on the palette, too, and more medium in body. At that point I felt it was deliciously nutty; there was a suggestion of sweetness, and the overall well-roundedness of the smoke continued to hold my interest.

In the last several inches the smoke got a little sharper but the nuttiness remained, and even that tasted a little stronger. As usual, letting the cigar rest a while longer allowed it to come back and even out. That allowed me to smoke it down to about an inch-and-a-half when it got off the bus at the last stop.

Was PDR Acme Seleccion No. 1 Weekend Worthy?

By definition, Acme is “the highest point; the summit or peak;” in other words, something high in status. In that context, it’s probably a good name for a cigar. However, it can also evoke something that’s very generic or cheap. I saw the Acme Seleccion No.1 Toro as somewhere in the middle. This was a solid, straightforward Connecticut-over-Dominican blend with a consistent mellowness, medium-strength, and a mostly nutty flavor.

This Acme Seleccion No.1 Toro would be a good cigar to enjoy in the morning with coffee or maybe even a good golf cigar. At times it reminded me of Dominican Connecticuts like Macanudo and Romeo 1875. Connecticut fans looking for an affordable every day cigar, not to mention newer cigar smokers, should find the PDR very comfortable. As a good ease-into-the-day smoke, it’s got my vote.

Please Note: Gary’s review was based on his experience and that your mileage may vary.