PDR Cigars by Abe Flores have only recently made their way into the Polish market, but Dominican blends have long divided cigar lovers. Some appreciate their diversity and smooth character, others remain skeptical – though even the critics would quietly admit to having a few Dominican favorites.
So how will Abe Flores’ cigars fare?
Before sitting down to write this review, I had the chance to explore several sticks from his extensive portfolio – now more available than ever locally. But some cigars demand more attention than others. That’s why I didn’t start with just any release. I reached for something special: a limited edition in a refined Wide Churchill format.
Ladies and gentlemen, meet the PDR Flores y Rodriguez 18th Anniversary Reserva Limitada Wide Churchill.
PDR Cigars
PDR Cigars is the brainchild of Abraham “Abe” Flores – a man whose path toward tobacco was written long before he fully realized it. Born in New York but raised in the Dominican Republic, Abe grew up among tobacco leaves on his grandfather’s farm. Later, during the cigar boom and digital revolution, he found himself designing websites for cigar brands – until he made the inevitable move back to his roots and embraced what was clearly in his blood: making cigars.
In 2004, he launched PDR Cigars, a boutique factory in the Dominican Republic focused on craftsmanship, tradition, and quality. From day one, Abe emphasized classic entubado rolling and a careful selection of tobaccos – sourced from around the globe and meticulously sorted by a dedicated team. Along the way, he collaborated with Dominican legend Jochy Blanco, while always staying connected to his own family heritage.
What’s in the lineup? A wide range of vitolas – mainly Coronas, Robustos, and Toros. Don’t expect many Lanceros. The brand enjoys experimenting with blends, from Sumatran wrappers to flavored cigars – where coffee is clearly the star. (I’ve smelled them, not smoked them – but the aroma is intense. Definitely keep them in a separate humidor.)
Visually, PDR cigars stand out with their ring diversity – from ornate bands like the one featured in this review to understated Cuban-inspired designs. A brand that’s not afraid to innovate, but knows exactly when to lean on tradition.
PDR Flores y Rodriguez 18th Anniversary Reserva Limitada Wide Churchill
Let’s move on to the main attraction of this review – an anniversary cigar created to celebrate 18 years of PDR Cigars. And not just in any vitola, but in one that always catches the eye and, at least for me, sparks immediate curiosity: the Wide Churchill. It’s elegant, substantial, and built for a long, relaxing session. Right from the first glance, it looks like something special. The band is classic PDR: large, bold branding paired with an ornate, dual-band design. Gold and white detailing gives way to a rich red background that proudly proclaims the brand’s 18th anniversary.
The 18th Anniversary Reserva Limitada line comes in five vitolas:
- Millefleurs Corona (42 x 5),
- Robusto (52 x 5),
- Wide Churchill (58 x 5.125),
- Grand Toro (54 x 6),
- Figurado (52 x 6.5).
Here in Poland, three of those are currently available: the Corona, the Robusto, and the one I’ll be reviewing today – the Wide Churchill.
What’s under the hood? An impressive blend. The wrapper is a dark, oily Ecuadorian Sumatra Maduro – rich and inviting. Beneath that sits a Dominican Olor binder, and the filler is a combination of aged Dominican tobacco (seven years old!) and Nicaraguan Viso from Jalapa. Sounds like poetry? It just might be. I wasn’t expecting anything ordinary – after all, a celebratory cigar like this should deliver something memorable. And visually? It’s already a showstopper. Let’s cut, light, and see what it’s all about.
Cut! Action!
First things first – the band has to come off. Only then does the cigar reveal its full character. The wrapper is a rich, deep brown – not jet black, but dark enough to signal Maduro character. It’s unpressed, with a clear twist and visible veins that add to its artisanal feel rather than detract. It’s got that rustic elegance that hints at craft, not imperfection. To the touch, everything feels right – firm, even, and solidly rolled with no soft spots or irregularities.
On the cold draw? Straight cedar – classic, clean wood notes, with hints of roasted coffee and milk chocolate. The wrapper itself gives off a subtle sweetness, as you’d expect from a Maduro leaf. It’s not surprising, but it’s definitely welcome.
A traditional straight cut, followed by a perfect draw – just the right amount of resistance. Jet lighter in hand, flame to foot, and we’re off. The cigar greets you gently: creamy, aromatic smoke begins to rise, without a trace of harshness or pepper blast. A smooth, refined start.
The Thirds
Let’s take off on this journey.
The first third opens smooth and elegant. Right out of the gate, cedar takes the lead – bold, forward, and for my palate, a bit too dominant. That said, I should note I’ve always had a heightened sensitivity to cedar, so take that with a pinch of personal bias. Still, this is only the beginning, and I’m giving it time to unfold. The draw is effortless, combustion is slow and razor sharp – exactly what you hope for from a celebratory anniversary release. Early on, the ash stands out: light gray, tight, and firm. It clings with confidence, reflecting the cigar’s craftsmanship. A touch of sweetness gradually joins the cedar, softening the profile and adding welcome depth. I’m intrigued – but I’m also hoping the second third takes it further.
About 40 minutes in, the flavor begins to shift. Cocoa steps in, pairing with the woody base. But here comes the twist: the sweetness disappears. I was expecting a more balanced turn – cedar dialing back, cocoa adding some creamy richness. That didn’t happen. Instead, the cigar leans dry and savory. It takes a more serious tone. I won’t lie – I was a little disappointed. But for fans of drier, more complex cigars, this is the moment they’ve been waiting for. The second third smokes faster.
Half an hour later, the profile deepens. A touch of bitterness enters – but in a good way. Leather is the first note that comes to mind. It’s refined, balanced, never overwhelming. The cocoa fades, and what’s left is bold and masculine, with confident character. Surprisingly, I stop missing that early sweetness. The smoke remains smooth and fragrant throughout, a quiet but consistent presence. And in the final moments? A burst of dark chocolate. A perfect closing note. It’s the cigar’s way of tipping its hat before taking a bow. Complex, evolving, full of personality.
Final thoughts on PDR Flores y Rodriguez 18th Anniversary Reserva Limitada Wide Churchill
A solid hour and forty minutes of smoking time – and I was glad I saved this one for the end of the day. After a good dinner and in the right frame of mind, this cigar truly showed its depth. One thing to note: the strength creeps up on you. What begins as medium gradually builds toward full, delivering some unexpected punch along the way.
This isn’t an easy, straightforward cigar – it’s layered, surprising, and a bit disorienting in the best way. Once again, I caught myself expecting one thing and getting something completely different. While the flavor profile might not align perfectly with my personal preferences, I can’t deny its complexity or the thoughtful way it’s balanced.
Is it worth trying? Absolutely. And I’d love to hear what others pick up from it – because I have a feeling this cigar will tell a different story to every smoker. That, to me, is part of the appeal.
Major points for the vitola. You could easily stretch this into a two-hour session, with excellent burn consistency and a general sense of time well spent.
This cigar was generously provided for review by Tomasz Żołądkiewicz – someone who clearly knows how to surprise a fellow aficionado. Tomasz, you nailed it.
If you enjoyed reading this, let me know! Drop a comment or share the post – every bit of support helps others discover my cigar reviews and smoking tips. If you prefer to listen, I co-host a podcast with Mateusz Krzywiecki called „Spotkanie z Dymem” („A Meeting with Smoke”) – currently in Polish, though who knows what the future holds? You can also find me on Instagram, where I share a slice of my cigar life – and a bit more. I always welcome a good conversation. That’s how great connections start – and they often go far beyond just cigars.
Stay smoky!
Piotr Siwiński, @mycigarway, Polski Aficionado, @polskiaficionado
