#NowSmoking: PDR 1878 Santiago Maduro

#NowSmoking: PDR 1878 Santiago Maduro Cigar Review (Video)

PDR 1878 Santiago Maduro – Cigar Details:

Factory: PDR Factory, Tamboril, Dominican Republic
Size: (5” x 52) Robusto
Strength: Medium
Wrapper: Mexican San Andres Maduro
Binder: Dominican Criollo ‘98
Filler: Nicaraguan Criollo ’98 and Dominican Criollo ‘98

Presented in boxes of 20 cigars

PDR 1878 Santiago Maduro Backstory

PDR 1878 was the cigar that launched Abe Flores from a cigar broker and occasional blender to a rising force in the premium cigar industry. Nearly a decade later, PDR cigars are favorites across the board owing to their superior craftsmanship, rich flavor, and accessible price points. In other words, PDR cigars are affordable, boutique, handmade premiums for the everyday enthusiast.

It’s worth pointing out that all PDR cigars use a traditional Cuban bunching style—called “entubado”—where each individual filler leaf is rolled into itself (like a small straw), and then rolled leaves are placed together into the bunch. This method allows air to travel between all of the leaves and carries more aromatics and flavors to the palate. Entubado is rarely used in large scale manufacturing today because it’s the most difficult and time-consuming bunching method.

The Basics:

Construction: Pig tail, triple cap, no soft spots. Wrapper was dark and oily.
Cold Draw: A pinch of spice, vanilla, and a little earth.
Base flavors: Dark chocolate, spice, earth, leather, and vanilla.
Aroma: Warm, rich tobacco.
Burn & Ash: No issues.

PDR 1878 Santiago Maduro Cigar Review – Part 1

Starts as you’d expect a San Andres Maduro cigar to begin. There is a creamy note at the beginning, and this medium-bodied stick is easy-going with notes of dark chocolate, vanilla, and baking spices—specifically nutmeg—with hints of earth and leather popping up. I also detect a slight, refreshing sweetness on the finish.

PDR 1878 Santiago Maduro Cigar Review – Part 2

I’m about halfway through the 1878 Maduro, and it keeps chugging along. The construction and draw are ideal, and the profile is steady and entertaining. While there aren’t any new flavors appearing, the existing notes of dark chocolate, vanilla, nutmeg, earth, and leather vary in their intensity while remaining in nearly perfect symmetry.

Let’s see how it wraps up in the finale.

PDR 1878 Santiago Maduro Series Cigar Review – Part 3

So, what to think about the PDR 1878 Maduro, and who will enjoy it. I was struck by a couple things: the cigar performed flawlessly, the flavors, while linear, kept me engaged, and that this stick is priced to smoke.

Let me break it down a little more. If the PDR 1878 Maduro were a car, it would be in the same class as a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. You know, not flashy or uber-expensive, but a reliable and affordable car for the everyday guy.

What beverage pairs well with PDR 1878 Santiago Maduro cigars?

Choose the dark side here. A good bourbon, rye, whiskey, or rum makes a good companion. If you want to go non-alcoholic, try a Dr. Pepper or Coca-Cola.

For additional pairing combinations, check out our Cigar & Spirit pairing guide.

Are PDR 1878 Santiago Maduro cigars worth smoking?

For me, this was an elevated, workingman’s cigar. And what I mean by that is the flavor profile doesn’t beg you to pay attention, making this a good choice when you’re doing something else (herfing with your buds, watching a game, drafting for fantasy league). Moreover, the affordable price (at under $10), accessible flavor profile, and authentic Cuban-style craftmanship—including entubado bunching, triple cap with a pigtail, and a closed foot—make PDR 1878 Santiago Maduro a first-rate choice to add to your rotation.