The Smoking Gun Cigar Review September 9, 2016 Purofino Milenio by PDR

Toro – (6 x 54)

As promised, here is the third review in a series of Cigar King exclusives. I've been trying these “house blends” for the past few weeks and believe that Mitchel Hirsh and Cigar King have established themselves as a force within the premium cigar industry. The partnerships he's developed with well sought-after master blenders and top quality factories is very impressive. I'm looking forward to trying more of these exclusive brands in the future.

This installment reviews the Purofino Milenio, produced by PDR Cigars. I have to admit, I don't know much about this cigar, its history, blend, etc... I'm going to have to do some research to find out more. I think I'll head to Cigar King later today and ask the staff what they can tell me about it.

A little history: This cigar is a joint project between Abe Flores and Mitchel Hirsh. I was told that the crop this cigar is made from is a 2012 vintage and the total production will be 200,000 sticks, of which they have made around 50,000, so far. If you want to try this cigar or already know it and love it, I'd start stocking up now, before they're gone.

The name, Purofino Milenio, translates from Spanish to: Pure Fine Millennium. “Puro Fino” is used by some other cigar companies, but this is the only Milenio that I know. The cigar is made at the PDR factory in Tamboril, Dominican Republic, which is near the mountains to the North of Santiago de los Caballeros. I think it's very interesting that PDR gets its name from Pinar del Rio, the most Western provence of Cuba and a well-known and respected cigar producing area. I think the name says it all. They have always been true to the traditions and quality of the old-world cigar makers.

This collaboration with Cigar King is another example of attention to quality and flavor, even in a relatively inexpensive cigar. From blend to construction, this cigar is on the mark. Don't let the price fool you. This may be one that you need to order. It can be found on-line at www.cigarking.com or by stopping their Scottsdale, AZ complex, located at 7830 E Gelding Dr #100.

What are you smoking?

Purofino Milenio by PDR – Toro (6 X 54)

Who makes it?

It's made exclusively for Cigar King by Abe Flores and PDR Cigars.

Where's it from?

It's made in the Dominican Republic at the PDR Factory.

What other sizes are available?

It is available in a Robusto (5 X 52), Toro (6 X 54), and Gordo (6 X 60).

So, here we go. I'll list the questions I always want to ask and give an answer for each—based on my

personal smoking experience:

How much does it cost?

The Cigar King website has it priced at $20 to $25 for fives pack, according to the size or $49.95 for a bundle of 20; no matter the size. My two Robustos cost around $6.00 each.

How well is it constructed?

It is a well-constructed cigar; a little darker in color than what I would consider for a Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper, with a bit of a reddish-brown color (with small veins), throughout. The cap has the traditional three lines. The foot is finished (cut flush on the end). The entire cigar has the look and feel of a much more expensive stick than the price would suggest.

What’s the blend (or, at least, the wrapper)?

As far as I know, this is the blend: Wrapper - Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade, Binder - Dominican Criollo and Filler - Dominican and Nicaraguan Criollo. It does have a nice hay smell, with grass notes, and the foot has a sweet vanilla quality.

How did it light?

I lit one of my two sticks with a torch lighter and the start was perfect. The second cigar, I lit the traditional way (with a cedar spill). In case you don't know, here's how you do it: Light the strip of cedar (referred to as a “spill”), then toast the foot, never touching the flame to the cigar. When you do this you just want to toast the foot, rotating the cigar around until you just see a few wisps of smoke. You're not lighting the cigar just yet, you're getting the tobacco as close as you can to spontaneous combustion. Hold the flame of the spill under the cigar about an inch away from the foot of the cigar— not touching it. Draw on the cigar and you will see the flame magically flash up to the cigar. Draw and rotate the cigar until it is lit. Never touch the flame to the cigar! This can cause a charred taste to appear, and you don't want that. Try lighting your next cigar this way. It's a very traditional and nostalgic way of lighting. If you don't know where to get a cedar spill, ask your local tobacconist. They usually keep some around for people to take. Try it. I think you'll like it.

How's the draw?

The draw was perfect, throughout.

How does it burn?

The draw was even and consistent throughout the cigar. I had a few minor burn issues on one of mine, but I was smoking it outside as a storm was brewing and the wind was pretty gusty. I suspect that to be the cause of my uneven burn.

Is there a predominate flavor/taste?

From the start, I had that typical grassy mustiness that is common in many Dominican Republic cigars, but with a hint of sweetness. The flavor was very mild, at first, with little to no pepper.

Did it change as you smoked it?

It did get stronger as I smoked it. The flavors seemed to change from mild to medium and finished fairly bold, again, for a Dominican.

How would you describe its strength: mild, medium, or strong?

I would call it mild at the start and medium from 2nd third to finish.

Would you smoke it again?

Yes! I would, certainly try it again. I am a fan of stronger cigar, particularly Nicaraguan blends, but a good Dominican milder cigar is a nice change of pace and this Purofino Milenio has a quality and price

that makes it very attractive. I think I want to try another one in the morning, sitting on my porch in the warm Arizona sunshine, with a cup of coffee and a New York Times crossword puzzle. (One of my favorite weekend morning activities).

Should I try it?

I think you should. There aren't many cigars of this quality, at this price. Anytime I can find a good premium cigar in the $5 to $6 range, I'm always willing to give it a try. You should, too.

Do you have an extra that you’ll give me?

No. But, if I did, I would share. It's always a treat for me to give my smoking buddies one of my cigars to try (and even more of a treat when the cigar didn't cost me very much). Most cigar smokers know that if you light one up at a gathering, someone is going to take notice and wish they would have brought one. So, you can give them a Purofino and not feel bad about it. They'll enjoy it and so will you. If you want to pick some up, you can stop by Cigar King, in Phoenix, AZ, or you can order them online at www.cigarking.com. These can't be found anywhere else!

Conclusion:

I think I've said it all, already. But, if you want a good quality, everyday affordable, premium cigar, Cigar King's Purofino Melinio is a great choice. Unlike many on-line, discount retailers Mitchel Hirsh and PDR have produced a high-quality cigar at a great price. They don't cut corners by using inferior tobaccos. They use skilled rollers and produce a great product. These are great cigars and will not put a strain on your tobacco buying budget. I think you'll want to smoke it again and again.

Well, you've wasted another few minutes of your day reading my thoughts and musings about cigars. I hope you've enjoyed what I had to say. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me through this page. I'm always happy to answer questions or tell you about what I've been smoking. Also, if you liked, appreciated or hated my review, let me know. I want to be a resource for the everyday cigar smoker. You don't have to be an expert, you just need an hour or so to enjoy a good cigar.

And, remember: don't let other people tell you what to smoke. If you like it, smoke it!