Founders Signature Dual Wrap Review

It was a drizzly, cold morning, the kind where most people would stay inside, but I was determined to give the Founders Signature Dual Wrap cigar a proper review. It had been a long time since I last smoked a barber-pole cigar, and knowing this one came from Founders Cigars, I wanted to see how this dual wrap toro performed.

That swirl of two contrasting wrappers, one dark, one light, instantly stood out. The barber-pole style represents balance in every sense: craftsmanship, contrast, and a little boldness wrapped in smooth refinement.

I brewed some black coffee, stepped out into the mist, and decided to find out whether this one lived up to its reputation.

The Breakdown

Profile: Mild to Medium-bodied

Wrapper: Dual – Mexican San Andrés Maduro & Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade

Binder: Dominican Olor binder

Filler: Dominican and Pennsylvania Broadleaf, Cubano Ligero, and Cubano Seco

Factory: Tabacalera El Artista (Dominican Republic)

Sizes Available: Toro (6.5” x 54)

Notable Feature: Dual wrap technique with two contrasting wrappers that balance creamy Connecticut sweetness and San Andrés depth

Price Point: Around $10 per cigar

The Story Behind Founders Cigars

Founders Cigars represents more than premium tobacco; it’s a tribute to craftsmanship, legacy, and the kind of purpose that comes from veteran hands. Each blend is made with a deep-rooted respect for tradition, innovation, and the people who carry both forward.

The Founders Signature Dual Wrap stands as one of the brand’s most distinctive cigars. With its dual-wrapper design, a lighter Connecticut Shade intertwined with a darker San Andrés Maduro, it immediately catches the eye. The barber-pole pattern isn’t just for looks; it’s a nod to contrast, balance, and attention to detail.

It’s the kind of cigar that makes you pause for a moment before lighting, wondering how those two wrappers will play off each other, and what kind of story they’ll tell once the flame meets the foot.

First Impressions of the Founders Signature Dual Wrap

Out of the cellophane, the cigar is visually striking. The alternating barber-pole design showcases both wrappers cleanly, no loose seams, no blemishes, just precise, careful rolling.

On the cold draw, I picked up notes of sweet cream, hay, and faint floral tones. The aroma carried soft tea and cedar, hinting at an intriguing smoking experience ahead.

The look alone tells you this cigar was crafted with intent, a great looking cigar built on balance rather than intensity. The question, however, remained: how would it smoke?

First Third: Creamy Start, Subtle Sweetness

The first few puffs were silky and light, bringing that smooth, savory smoke I was hoping for, allowing me to quickly forget the cold drizzle I was facing. It opened with subtle sweetness, cream, and a hint of floral and earthy tones, almost reminding me of tea with milk.

The draw was effortless, and the burn line stayed even from the start. The dual wrap technique really shines here; the Connecticut Shade provides the creaminess, while the San Andrés Maduro adds grounding depth and structure.

It started off mild but gently built into a complex flavor profile, hovering between mild and medium, never losing its composure or balance.

Second Third: Smooth Consistency & Refined Flavor

By the midpoint, the cigar found its rhythm. The smoke intertwines the Dominican and Pennsylvanian fillers beautifully, smooth, flavorful, and impeccably balanced.

You’ll notice how the flavors gradually meld, revealing creamy texture, faint tea-like sweetness, and soft floral undertones. The ash stayed tight and white, holding well past an inch, a sign of excellent construction.

The blend brings together rich, flavorful tobaccos with the smoothness of a Connecticut wrapper. It’s balanced, easy to smoke, and just plain enjoyable. You can tell Founders focused on making this cigar consistent and well-made, not over-engineered.

Final Third: Mexican San Andrés Maduro Meets Connecticut Shade

As you near the final third, the darker wrapper steps into the spotlight. The Mexican San Andrés Maduro wrapper brings dark tones of toast and earth, while the superb Connecticut Shade continues to keep the finish creamy and refined.

The combination reveals the cigar’s dual nature, one side bold and grounding, the other elegant and soft. It’s a slow burn, and even toward the end, the flavor stays smooth and satisfying.

This cigar shows what happens when good tobacco and solid craftsmanship come together. It’s well-made, smooth, and easy to appreciate from start to finish, and I was happy to have it in hand. 

Dual Wrap Performance & Construction Quality

After reviewing the Founders Douglass Habano Toro previously, which had a few minor construction hiccups, this Dual Wrap pretty much confirmed that those were a one-off.

Cold and damp isn’t a friendly combo for a cigar, but this one handled it like a champ, razor-straight burn, strong ash, no relights needed.

You can tell the team at Founders really took their time with this one. The construction’s tight, the draw’s clean, and everything about it just feels dialed in.

Price & Value of the

At roughly $10 per stick, this cigar punches above its weight. I can confirm, the dual wrap design isn’t just for looks; it adds real character to the smoke and helps it stand out in the Founders cigar lineup.

The smooth, creamy flavor went perfectly with black coffee, and honestly, it handled the cold morning better than I expected. It’s the kind of cigar you can enjoy any time, rain or shine.

Final Thoughts on the Founders Signature Dual Wrap

The Founders Signature Dual Wrap shows that balance doesn’t have to mean boring. It’s not a powerhouse, but it’s steady, well-built, and full of character.

From its sharp barber-pole look to the clean, even burn, everything about it feels dialed in. The smoke is smooth and creamy with hints of toast and light spice, flavors that work together instead of fighting for attention.

If Founders set out to make a cigar that proves consistency and craftsmanship still matter, they nailed it. Trust me, this is one you’ll smoke down to the nub before you even realize how far the burn line has gone. Just an easy, enjoyable smoke from start to finish.

Ratings Breakdown

A well-crafted barber-pole cigar that proves balance can be bold, creamy, consistent, and built for those who appreciate refined craftsmanship.

Buy Founders Dual Wrap Cigars Online

Pick one up and see why this dual wrap deserves a spot in your lineup. The Founders Signature Dual Wrap Toro is available now at After Action Cigars, where good cigars, good people, and good times come together.