PDR Cigars is a family-owned Dominican cigar company that delivers impressive quality at prices that consistently surprise smokers. Founded by Abe Flores, PDR operates its own factory in the Tamboril region of the Dominican Republic — the heartland of Dominican cigar manufacturing — and produces a diverse portfolio of cigars that range from mild, approachable blends to bold, full-bodied powerhouses.
This guide covers the PDR story, breaks down their major lines, and helps you find the right PDR cigar for your palate.
The PDR Story
Abe Flores comes from a family with deep roots in Dominican tobacco. The family's connection to cigar making stretches back generations, and Flores grew up immersed in every aspect of the business — from growing tobacco to rolling and blending finished cigars.
Flores founded PDR Cigars and built his own factory in Tamboril, Dominican Republic, a small town that punches far above its weight in the cigar world. Tamboril and the surrounding Santiago region are home to many of the most important cigar factories in the Dominican Republic, and PDR's factory sits among some legendary neighbors.
Having his own factory gives Flores total control over production — from tobacco selection through rolling, aging, and quality control. This vertical integration is key to PDR's value proposition: by controlling every step of the process, Flores can deliver premium-quality cigars at prices that undercut larger competitors.
PDR also produces cigars for other brands through contract manufacturing, which helps keep the factory running at capacity and allows Flores to invest in tobacco inventory and aging. The result is a brand that has quietly built a loyal following among value-conscious cigar enthusiasts who have discovered that PDR punches well above its price point.
PDR's Major Lines
PDR 1878 — The Flagship
The PDR 1878 is the brand's signature line, named after the year the Flores family began their tobacco journey. Available in multiple wrapper options:
1878 Sun Grown — A medium-to-full blend with earth, pepper, cedar, and sweet spice. Bold and flavorful — the most popular expression.
1878 Maduro — A dark wrapper adds chocolate, coffee, and sweetness. Medium-to-full with a smooth, rich finish.
1878 Connecticut — Mild-to-medium with cream, nuts, and cedar. The most beginner-friendly option and an excellent cigar under $5.
1878 Oscuro — The darkest, boldest expression. Full-bodied with intense chocolate, espresso, and pepper.
A. Flores 1975 — The Personal Line
A. Flores 1975 is Abe Flores' personal line — named after his birth year. These cigars represent his personal blending vision and tend toward more refined, complex profiles than the core PDR lines. Available in multiple wrappers including Connecticut, Habano, and Maduro. Medium-bodied with balanced flavors that showcase Flores' Dominican blending expertise.
El Trovador — The Troubadour
El Trovador (meaning the troubadour
) is PDR's most complex and acclaimed line. Using Dominican tobaccos with select Nicaraguan filler, it delivers a medium-to-full body with layers of cedar, leather, sweet spice, and dark chocolate. The blend evolves throughout the smoke, revealing new flavors with each third. Strong ratings and a favorite among PDR loyalists.
El Criollito — Dominican Heritage
El Criollito celebrates Dominican Criollo tobacco — one of the heritage varieties that defines Dominican cigar making. This medium-bodied cigar delivers cedar, cream, earth, and gentle spice in a smooth, approachable package. It showcases the unique character of Dominican Criollo tobacco.
Other Notable Lines
PDR Reserva Superior — An aged, premium line using the factory's most select tobaccos. Medium-to-full with exceptional smoothness. How aging transforms flavor.
PDR Small Batch — Limited-production releases featuring unique blends. Worth seeking out for something different.
PDR Capa Madura — A full-bodied Maduro expression with dark chocolate, coffee, and pepper. For experienced smokers. Pairs well with bourbon — see our whiskey pairing guide.
Where to Buy PDR Cigars
Browse and compare PDR pricing across trusted retailers on the PDR brand page at Cigar Finder. For the full catalog with real-time pricing, visit CigarFinder's premium cigars page and filter by brand.
New to buying online? Read our guide on how to buy cigars online safely. Looking for deals? Check our coupon codes page and best cigar deals guide.
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Explore More: Visit our PDR brand page to compare prices. See our best cigars for the money guide. Browse cigars under $5.
