While my days of daily or weekly smoking are long past, I do still find the time to settle in and have a great cigar when time and weather are permitting. For my latest Summertime smoke, I set about to branch out from my usuals and try a few Dominicans that were at the right price point and had good buzz about them.
Each of these were enjoyed outside in mid-Summer. Consumed over the course of a sunset in a comfortable urban patio. While they my pair with beverages, I prefered to focus solely on the experience each cigar offered. None disappointed, I am thrilled to report.
La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero No. 700
THe La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero 700 comes in a handsome cube of a box that is just fancy enough. While the label doesn’t scream “high end cigar”, the stogie’s appearance promised all the features I look for in a session cigar. The maduro wrapper was appealing and the 6×54 dimensions promised a full and sustained flavor over the course of the burn.
The Domincan filler and binder are wrapped up in the ever-popular Ecudoarian Sumatra wrapper, and the result in this combination is a strong, bold, start that only increases in deep flavors as it goes. Throughout much of the cigar, the flavors are strong with coffee and cedar. There was a hint of spiciness, but I found the cedar grew more forward as the burner wound down.
Overall, this was an enjoyable smoke, however by the last 1/4 I found it overwhelming and perhaps a case of too much of a good thing. YMMV, but I will. most likely opt for a No. 654 version if I go to LFD again.
LFD Double Ligero No. 700 at JR Cigar
Deadwood Dominicana Toro
The Deadwood Tobacco Co. Dominicana was my wild card pick for this session. I hadn’t heard of the brand and there was little in my LTS (Local Toabacco Shop) to recommend it. However, I was in the market for a second Dominican and this certainly advertised that. I appreciated the art and the low-key “artisinal” vibe I got from the box design, so figured I would take a chance on it.
With a Conneticut Shade wrapper, Mexican San Andreas binder, and a Domincan filler this provided a lighter and sweeter smoke which was wildly different from the Double Ligero No. 700. This hit me just right on the evening I smoked it, and every puff was cocoa and cream throughout the 45 minute burn. While I can see how it might be a bit too sweet on occasion, it hit just right on a temperate July evening. I also noted burned perfectly even, which was no small feat for a LTS purchase. I can see myself going back to this one for a lighter but flavorful indulgence.
Arturo Fuente Double Chateau Fuente Maduro
Arturo Fuente has been a favorite of mine since my early days as a young tobacconist. So, it was a no-brainer to round out this trifecta with a return to a classic favorite. While many of my true favorites surpass the $15 threshold for this article, I did note that Double Chateau Fuente Maduro was within the budget. Decision made!
For this Fuente, a Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wraps around Dominican filler and binder, maintaining the brand spiceness as well as the full Maduro flavors. Cocoa-spiceness kept me interested and pleased throughout the hour-long course of the smoke. This one burned perfectly even as well, and there was no effort needed to keep it lit and smoking. In total, this evening was a great reminder of why this brand has stood strong for decades and keeps me,as well as many others, coming back again and again.
Arture Fuente Double Chateu Maduro at JR Cigar
Of course, this is by no means an exhaustive list, but fair to say if you are curious about Dominican cigars, any of these would be a great starter. Prices will vary, but they should fall under the $15 price point at any legit smokeshop. There are all good flavor for value, also, as you can do much worse and spend twice as much with other options.
Not sure what I’ll go for next, possibly a tour of Robustos? Maybe a Honduran expedition? Perhaps my top five five cigar sampler packs? So, many options. Check back and remember to stay lit!