Notes & évaluations
Note de la rédaction
Note des amateurs
Soyez le premier
Organoleptic profile
Strength
medium
Balance
very good
Draw
perfect
Intensity
expressive
- Bouquet
- complex
- Finish
- long
- Ash color
- gray
- Smoke output
- abundant
Aroma profile
Tasting notes
The Drew Estate Undercrown Shade Gran Toro showcases a brilliant wrapper from Ecuador, providing a sense of luxury from the moment it is held. Measuring 152.4 mm in length with a diameter of 20.6 mm, this cigar captivates with its elegant appearance and perfectly smooth, well-crafted wrapper texture.
Upon the first olfactory contact, you will discover rich pre-light aromas, dominated by woody notes, accompanied by hints of hazelnut and a slight peppery fragrance. Upon lighting, the complexity of its bouquet fully reveals itself, marked by a harmonious blend of sweetness and spices that develops a beautiful depth.
On the palate, the flavors evolve dynamically through the three thirds. The first third offers a balance of hazelnuts, followed by nuances of roasted coffee that intertwine with a creamy texture. In the final third, the pepper asserts itself while maintaining a subtle balance of lightness, making it an enjoyable and surprising cigar, even for Connecticut enthusiasts.
The finish is characterized by a generous length, offering a voluptuous sensation. The combination of strength and sweetness makes this cigar unique, with excellent harmony among all the flavors, thus overshadowing any rival. The gray ash is a testament to a consistent burn, carefully monitored throughout the experience.
Ideal for a morning tasting, the Drew Estate Undercrown Shade Gran Toro pairs wonderfully with a full-bodied coffee, complementing its spicy character while allowing the aromas to unfold majestically.
Community impressions
Cigar enthusiasts highlight this cigar's ability to captivate smokers, even those who are not fans of Connecticut. Its impeccable construction and balance between sweetness and strength make it a wise choice for a pleasurable tasting experience, whether in the morning or at any other time of the day.
How to taste: Drew Estate Undercrown Shade Gran Toro
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1.Visual Examination
The wrapper of the Drew Estate Undercrown Shade Gran Toro presents a light brown to golden color, with a natural and silky feel to the touch. This Toro-sized cigar, measuring 152.4 mm with a ring gauge of 52, displays a very beautiful construction that inspires confidence at first glance.
This step allows for the assessment of the tobacco quality and craftsmanship — a neat presentation and appetizing color suggest a delightful tasting experience.
2.Pre-light Aromas
Before lighting, the cigar emits aromas reminiscent of wood, hazelnut, and a hint of pepper. These scents are rich and inviting, preparing the palate for the gustatory adventure ahead.
This step is crucial for anticipating the flavors — it allows one to connect with the nature of the tobacco while heightening the anticipation for the aromas that will develop with heat.
3.Cutting
The standard straight cut is made just below the cap, providing easy access to the draw. A precise cut is essential to ensure a pleasant smoking experience.
A good cut is the key to an even burn — it is essential to avoid tears in the wrapper that could affect the draw and combustion.
4.Cold Draw
The cold draw of the Drew Estate Undercrown Shade Gran Toro is perfect. The resistance is pleasant, suggesting an abundant and smooth smoke upon lighting.
This preventive test detects construction defects — a perfect draw indicates a surprise-free experience, while a blocked draw may require adjustments.
5.Lighting
During lighting, it is important to ensure that the foot is well toasted. An even lighting guarantees that the burn starts on a solid foundation.
Uneven cooking at this stage can lead to canoeing — ensuring good ignition helps avoid corrections during the tasting.
6.First Third
The first third reveals a medium strength, offering dominant aromas of wood and hazelnut, accompanied by a good volume of smoke. The aromatic richness is immediately perceptible.
This initial phase sets the tone for the experience — an appreciation of the powerful aromas allows for a better understanding of the complexity to come from the cigar.
7.Second Third
As we enter the second third, secondary aromas of coffee, creaminess, and spices begin to manifest, enriching the experience while maintaining a very good balance.
This evolution of flavors is crucial for appreciating the complexity of the blend — a good balance at this stage highlights the quality of the cigar and encourages savoring each puff.
8.The Finish
At the end of the tasting, the gray ash testifies to an even burn. The residual sweetness and slight persistent salivation confirm the harmony of the aromas.
A good ash color and a pleasant finish are indicators of quality — the finish reveals the complexity of the flavors, marking a successful experience.