Blind Cigar Review: PDR | AFR-75 San Andres Claro Sublime

Cigar Info – PDR AFR-75 San Andres Claro Sublime

The PDR AFR-75 line has been around since 2013. The name comes from the year Abe Flores was born which was 1975. The original blend used a Dark San Andres Maduro wrapper, and while this newer blend shares that component, it is a much lighter shade. The AFR-75 San Andres Claro was released at IPCPR 2016.

Besides the Mexican San Andres Claro wrapper it uses a Nicaraguan Criollo ‘98 binder and fillers from the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua and the United States (Connecticut broadleaf). AFR-75 comes in four sizes: Catador 4 x 54 ($13.75), Sublime 5 x 56 ($14.75), Edmundo 6 x 58 ($15.75), and Immenso, 7 by 60 ($16.75). The cigars are packed in 24-count boxes printed with a black checkerboard pattern.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Double Robusto
Length: 5″
Ring Gauge: 56
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: San Andres Claro
Binder: Nicaraguan Criollo 98
Filler: Habano Dominican Republic, Connecticut Broadleaf & Criollo 98 Nicaragua
Factory: PDR Cigars
Blender: Abe Flores
Number of reviewers: 4 – Doug S. (Unpossible_1) Matt Cade (CadeTNCC) Kevin A. (Kevin A.) Sean F. (fullermaine)
Price: $14.75
Age: 7 Months
Release Date: 2016
Contributed by: Blind Man's Puff

Initial Impressions

Appearance: 90

“Silky smooth milk chocolate wrapper with a twisted pigtail cap adorn this cigar.” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

Aroma: 88

“Dry earth, cedar, and coffee are coming from the foot. The body of the cigar is predominantly dry earth and cedar. Prelight draw is pretty solid, with hints of coffee, cedar, and vanilla.” –Kevin A. (Kevin A.)

First Third

Flavor: 93
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“I forego a cutter and just twist off the pigtail cap which seems to do the trick as the draw appears to be wide open prior to ignition. After setting the cigar on fire, I'm greeted by a highly enjoyable warm cedar note through the nose and draw brings in more of that cedar flavor with just a touch of mild leather. At around the one-inch mark, pepper joins the cedar via the retrohale. The spice tingles the nostrils just a bit but doesn't add any noticeable strength to the cigar's overall mild profile. Construction so far is great with a smooth draw and straight burn line.” –Matt Cade (CadeTNCC)

“The cigar starts off dry and earthy, with hints of cedar and dry earth. There is a lemon zest on the finish that sits on the tongue for quite a while. The retrohale is pretty mellow to start out with, having notes of white pepper, cinnamon, and clove. Strength is medium as is the body. The draw is close to perfect and the burn, while slightly lopsided, is doing well.” –Kevin A. (Kevin A.)

Second Third

Flavor: 92
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“The cigar transitions from dry and earthy to more of a bread and cabinet spice profile as it goes along. There is a sweet vanilla creaminess on the finish as well. Bread, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, white pepper, and cinnamon are all present. The retrohale is nice and tame, with hints of white pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon. Draw and burn continues to impress, and the ash held on for dear life until I ashed the cigar so as not to wear it! ” –Kevin A. (Kevin A.)

“Nice notes of hickory with a slight hint of malt.” –Sean F. (fullermaine)

Final Third

Flavor: 93
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“The cigar stays in the medium range with the bread and cabinet spice notes all the way to the finish. The only noticeable change is the return of the lemon zest that was present in the first third, and the banana has actually entered into the flavor profile. Burn and draw have been an outstanding start to finish” –Kevin A. (Kevin A.)

“This cigar is performing flawlessly. The retrohale profile of elevating spice, cedar, and minerals is great and the leather heavy draw never conflicts with those flavors. Everything is playing very well together. My only criticism thus far is that this is a very fast burning cigar which saddens me as I'm enjoying the hell out of it and would like it to last longer. Having said that, the cigar's construction is excellent with a super smooth draw and strong ash. ” –Matt Cade (CadeTNCC)

Overall Impressions – PDR AFR-75 San Andres Claro Sublime

Draw: 96

“Pretty much exactly what I look for in draw quality here.” –Kevin A. (Kevin A.)

Burn: 94

“Even burn, with minor touch up needed. Beautiful white ash that hangs for an inch or two.” –Sean F. (fullermaine)

Construction: 95

“Great construction led to great burn, draw and flavor delivery” –Kevin A. (Kevin A.)

Overall Strength: Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium
PDR AFR-75 San Andres Claro Sublime – Experience Overall: 93

“That was 90 minutes of my life that I will never get back. Extremely disappointing session is all I can really say to summarize this. That and hopefully I just got a dud.” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

“This is one of those special cigars that I can sense the blender's intent with each puff. It's constructed in a very specific way, with the flavors balanced so well, and the end result certainly impresses. I just wish it would have lasted longer. Obviously, I highly recommend this cigar both with a cup of coffee in the morning or a glass of scotch in the afternoon. Ok fine, late afternoon.” –Matt Cade (CadeTNCC)

“Overall I enjoyed this cigar. The transition from dry and earth to bakers spice and bread notes was a pleasant surprise. The lemon zest on the finish definitely added to the overall experience.” –Kevin A. (Kevin A.)

“Interesting smoke with a variety of notes. Great notes of wood, malt, earth, spice, and celery. This cigar pairs well with a dark roast coffee. A cigar I'd like to have on hand to end my day with.” –Sean F. (fullermaine)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 83

Reviewer	Appearance	Aroma	1/3	2/3	3/3	Draw	Burn	Constr.	Overall Experience
Doug S.	90	83	85	80	70	88	80	80	75
Matt Cade	90	85	92	92	95	95	95	95	95
Kevin A.	90	90	90	88	90	97	95	90	90
Sean F.	95	95	95	95	95	95	93	100	95

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.