On a recent Friday at a favorite B&M the cigar that was in everyone's lips was this new offering from La Flor. I am often skeptical of these hyped up blends, as I have said here before, but I always succumb to the curiosity and buy some anyway. You see, despite all my cigar knowledge bravado, I am just one of the cigar sheeple bleating my way into line to smoke what ever everyone else is smoking, even if it is baaaaaad. All farm animal jokes aside, I have always been a fan of the La Flor offerings, particularly when I am looking for something full and spicy. I will admit, I was flummoxed by a Colorado Oscuro offering, I did not think such a thing was even possible. I guess the old adage that one learns something new everyday holds true in the world of the cigar smoker as well. Dammit, just when I thought I knew it all!
This cigar has all the usual hallmarks of La Flor. The wrapper is oily and draped beautifully across this vitola. It has some veining, but they are neither prominent or problematic looking. My examination reveals a cigar that might be too soft in some spots, but I will not be able to tell until later in the smoke. It is a thick cigar, the 50 ring seems like an understatement to me, but a quick measure with my handy cigar ring gauge app on my iPhone shows me that 50 is the number. The pre light aroma is of heavy earth, pepper and tobacco. The pre light draw is full of pepper flavors.
The cigar opens with a profile that is full of pepper flavors and some nice spice that is sharper than cinnamon, it's almost an artificial cinnamon like in a schnapps. At the back of the palate there is a very distinct impression of rich and dark tobacco flavor that has some earthy undertones to it. The flavors early on are intense, which is exactly what I expect from this maker. The draw is a little thin, but I am not really laboring, I would just like more smoke for my effort. The burn is solid and slow, almost as if the cigar is moist, but I know that it is not, La Flor's often combust this way.
The first half of the cigar is one dimensional for me. The core profile continues to show pepper and spice notes, but I would like some complementary flavors here to provide a more complex and robust experience. At the back of the palate the earthy tones have become more prevalent, but again they are one dimensional. I often find that amongst stronger cigars one dimensional presentations can become the norm as the strength can outweigh any attempts at subtlety in the profile. This by no means a poor cigar, it is just too straightforward for me to this point. The draw has opened up at this point and the smoke is flowing evenly. The burn is still slow, but the ash is sharp.
The final half of the cigar really picks up some steam. The core profile becomes a more complex melange of flavors as pepper combines with spice, dark fruit and some anise to provide a nice balance of strong flavors. The back of the palate continues to be a nice backdrop of earth, but there are some nice woody flavors along with some tobacco essence that is nice. I am really enjoying the final third of this cigar as the balance of all these flavors finally comes together. The draw is solid throughout the last half and the burn stays straight through to the end.
The finish is spicy and long showing some real teeth for many minutes after the cigar is a memory.
Appearance- 91 just a real nice smoke to take in visually
Taste- 88 some early issues were saved in the last half when the flavors married well together
Construction- 89 some early draw issues reduce the score here
Strength- 87 very full, but in the first half the strength takes away subtlety
Overall- 88.75 a very nice smoke that I could add to my full flavored lineup
Showing posts with label La Flor Dominicana. Show all posts
Showing posts with label La Flor Dominicana. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
La Flor Dominicana Cameroon Cabinet #1 (6.5x44)
A new addition at my local B&M, and like moths to flame I am drawn over and select one for the hairy eyeball of evaluation. The cigar is presented very simply with a brown band and a plain box that lacks the typical adornments of cigar haute couture. The wrapper is an oily cameroon that has few veins and is applied to the cigar well. An inspection has me worried that the cigar may be too tight to draw, but I cut and get started. The pre light aroma is peculiar, but has some hints of spice and some sweet floral essence. The pre light draw has some nutty character, and shows some mineral qualities as well.
The cigar opens with blasts of minerals and some salty flavors that are interesting. At the back of the palate there are some hints of dark wood, but there are some sour notes present here as well and they detract from the initial impressions. The draw is tight, but not unduly so, and I have no issues producing acceptable draws. The burn is razor sharp and produces a dirty gray ash.
The first half of the cigar lacks depth and complexity. The profile flattens out to show minerals and light spice. At the back of the palate there are still some notes of light wood, and the salty flavors have migrated away from the front of the presentation into the back end. The draw continues to be a touch on the tight side, but is still not causing any real issue. The burn stays sharp and I detect no sign that it will change as the smoke progresses.
The final half of the cigar picks up the pace a bit. The core profile begins to show some roasted nut qualities, while maintaining a taste of minerals and a meaty undertone that is unique. At the back of the palate a pleasing earthy quality has developed and the sour notes have left the presentation. The draw stays tight throughout, and does not cause any issues until the very end, when the cigar begins to burn a bit hot. The burn stayed rock solid throughout.
The finish was bit short and showed notes of minerals, earth and spice.
Appearance- 92 there is something to be said for a straightforward presentation
Taste- 87 a nice profile, if unspectacular
Construction- 88 some tightness in the draw caused late issues
Strength- 89 a nice medium, unexpected from a La Flor cigar
Overall- 88.5 a nice, solid above average smoke that leaves you wanting
The cigar opens with blasts of minerals and some salty flavors that are interesting. At the back of the palate there are some hints of dark wood, but there are some sour notes present here as well and they detract from the initial impressions. The draw is tight, but not unduly so, and I have no issues producing acceptable draws. The burn is razor sharp and produces a dirty gray ash.
The first half of the cigar lacks depth and complexity. The profile flattens out to show minerals and light spice. At the back of the palate there are still some notes of light wood, and the salty flavors have migrated away from the front of the presentation into the back end. The draw continues to be a touch on the tight side, but is still not causing any real issue. The burn stays sharp and I detect no sign that it will change as the smoke progresses.
The final half of the cigar picks up the pace a bit. The core profile begins to show some roasted nut qualities, while maintaining a taste of minerals and a meaty undertone that is unique. At the back of the palate a pleasing earthy quality has developed and the sour notes have left the presentation. The draw stays tight throughout, and does not cause any issues until the very end, when the cigar begins to burn a bit hot. The burn stayed rock solid throughout.
The finish was bit short and showed notes of minerals, earth and spice.
Appearance- 92 there is something to be said for a straightforward presentation
Taste- 87 a nice profile, if unspectacular
Construction- 88 some tightness in the draw caused late issues
Strength- 89 a nice medium, unexpected from a La Flor cigar
Overall- 88.5 a nice, solid above average smoke that leaves you wanting
Monday, July 12, 2010
La Flor Dominicana Ligero Cabinet Oscuro L300 (5.75x50)
I have always found La Flor offerings to be on the sick to my stomach side of full flavored and I smoke nothing but strong cigars, so this cigar languished in my humidor for over a year before I could find an appropriate time to give it a run. The foot showed some damage, I am assuming because it had found it's way in and out of my travel humidor several times always hoping to be chosen, but never quite getting the call. Other than that damage, which does not bother me because I will smoke through it, the cigar presents well. This cigar has significantly less sheen than when I placed it in the humi all those months ago and the wrapper has taken on a mottled appearance where oils have soaked back into the wrapper. An inspection tells me that the cigar is well made and I do not detect any areas of concern. The pre light draw is smooth and shows notes of dark wood and rich tobacco character. The pre light aroma has some hints of dark fruit and heavy spice.
I light the cigar and begin with trepidation, I have always thought these cigars can be in very in your face, but I am surprised to find a very mellow opening with a core profile of dark wood, tobacco and light coffee flavors. At the back of the palate there is an earthy texture and flavor to the smoke and there are some further hints of dark fruit and some other flavors I can only describe as salty and meaty. This level of complexity and depth while not being overwhelming is running contrary to my customary experience with these cigars. The draw is nearly perfect and produces scads of smoke. The burn is a bit wonky, but that is due to the damage that is my fault so I will not deduct.
The first half of the cigar is a thing of beauty. The core profile continues to impress with a balanced and deep presentation of coffee, dark wood and rich tobacco flavors. The saltiness, that was noted at the back of the palate, has permeated the core profile and provides a very tasty counterpoint to the main flavors. The back of the palate maintains a steady presentation of earth with some fruity sweetness that shows in spurts. The draw remains excellent and after I pass the damaged area of the foot the burn evens out and performs very well.
The final half of the cigar loses some complexity and balance, but it is still acceptable. The core profile shows some thin wisps of wood and tobacco, but has taken on a slightly vegetal quality. At the back of the palate there are still some nice notes of earth, but not much else is going on. It is a shame because this smoke was on it's way to becoming a near classic experience for me. The burn and draw remain excellent throughout.
The finish was touch short and showed some vegetal notes.
Appearance- 87 a box pressed presentation seldom does anything for me
Taste- 89 the first half gets a 95, the second half an 83, I split the difference
Construction- 94 a fine smoking experience in this area
Strength- 91 a surprising and pleasing medium
Overall- 90.75 still an excellent smoke, but it could have been so much more
I light the cigar and begin with trepidation, I have always thought these cigars can be in very in your face, but I am surprised to find a very mellow opening with a core profile of dark wood, tobacco and light coffee flavors. At the back of the palate there is an earthy texture and flavor to the smoke and there are some further hints of dark fruit and some other flavors I can only describe as salty and meaty. This level of complexity and depth while not being overwhelming is running contrary to my customary experience with these cigars. The draw is nearly perfect and produces scads of smoke. The burn is a bit wonky, but that is due to the damage that is my fault so I will not deduct.
The first half of the cigar is a thing of beauty. The core profile continues to impress with a balanced and deep presentation of coffee, dark wood and rich tobacco flavors. The saltiness, that was noted at the back of the palate, has permeated the core profile and provides a very tasty counterpoint to the main flavors. The back of the palate maintains a steady presentation of earth with some fruity sweetness that shows in spurts. The draw remains excellent and after I pass the damaged area of the foot the burn evens out and performs very well.
The final half of the cigar loses some complexity and balance, but it is still acceptable. The core profile shows some thin wisps of wood and tobacco, but has taken on a slightly vegetal quality. At the back of the palate there are still some nice notes of earth, but not much else is going on. It is a shame because this smoke was on it's way to becoming a near classic experience for me. The burn and draw remain excellent throughout.
The finish was touch short and showed some vegetal notes.
Appearance- 87 a box pressed presentation seldom does anything for me
Taste- 89 the first half gets a 95, the second half an 83, I split the difference
Construction- 94 a fine smoking experience in this area
Strength- 91 a surprising and pleasing medium
Overall- 90.75 still an excellent smoke, but it could have been so much more
Friday, April 23, 2010
La Flor Dominicana Air Bender
This is a gigantic new release from the Gomez boys, and everyone that reads this blog knows that I predisposed to dislike cigars that are too big. I don't like the size, the heft, the flavor etc... with a big cigar. Having said that, I have smoked great big ring gauge cigars before and rated some of them very highly. This particular cigar, while large, is not as intimidating as some of the other La Flor vitolas and blends. I think it may have something to do with the less imposing color of this cigar. The wrapper is a nice deep brown that has some toothy qualities, as opposed to the nearly jet black oily wrappers on so many other La Flor smokes. The cigar feels light for it's size and I am worried that it may be under packed and loose in the draw. There are no other noticeable flaws on the cigar and I am ready to fire it up. The pre light aroma has a strong presence of cocoa and there is some light spice present. The pre light draw shows some hints of pepper and light spice.
The cigar is difficult to light, in my opinion a major detraction in a cigar. Once lit the profile shows very thin notes of spice, tobacco, grass and cocoa. There is little complexity or depth and the overall presentation is muddled. At the back of the palate there is an unfortunate bitterness that is showing through. The draw is actually much tighter than I anticipated and it produces enough smoke to be acceptable. The burn is sharp and the ash is of monumental size and holds until nearly the three inch mark of the smoke.
The first third of the cigar transitions very little. The profile continues to be schizophrenic and jumps from grass, tobacco and back to grass again at will. At the back of the palate the bitterness is taking away from the smoke as well. The draw is still acceptable and the burn maintains a very solid performance. Without above average construction this cigar would be a disaster.
The middle third begins to level out and the profile shows some nice flavors of spice and tobacco with some light wood essences lingering around. At the back of the palate there are some flavors of bread and light spice. The depth and complexity are still not there, but at least it has transitioned into something semi-pleasing. The draw is still fine and the burn continues to be issue free.
The final third of the cigar slided back into schizophrenia. The profile is all over the place, and mostly displeasing. There are charred notes of wood and grass and some prevailing bitterness interferes with the palate. At the back of the palate there is little but bitterness and I am feeling disappointed by the whole experience at this point. The burn and draw stayed consistent throughout.
The finish was sharp and grassy with charred notes of paper and wood.
Appearance- 89 a nice looking smoke that lacks some visual elegance
Taste- 81 an inferior palate that never developed well
Construction- 90 the only saving grace for this cigar
Strength- 85 a very unremarkable medium/full
Overall- 86 slightly above average, a score saved by above average construction
The cigar is difficult to light, in my opinion a major detraction in a cigar. Once lit the profile shows very thin notes of spice, tobacco, grass and cocoa. There is little complexity or depth and the overall presentation is muddled. At the back of the palate there is an unfortunate bitterness that is showing through. The draw is actually much tighter than I anticipated and it produces enough smoke to be acceptable. The burn is sharp and the ash is of monumental size and holds until nearly the three inch mark of the smoke.
The first third of the cigar transitions very little. The profile continues to be schizophrenic and jumps from grass, tobacco and back to grass again at will. At the back of the palate the bitterness is taking away from the smoke as well. The draw is still acceptable and the burn maintains a very solid performance. Without above average construction this cigar would be a disaster.
The middle third begins to level out and the profile shows some nice flavors of spice and tobacco with some light wood essences lingering around. At the back of the palate there are some flavors of bread and light spice. The depth and complexity are still not there, but at least it has transitioned into something semi-pleasing. The draw is still fine and the burn continues to be issue free.
The final third of the cigar slided back into schizophrenia. The profile is all over the place, and mostly displeasing. There are charred notes of wood and grass and some prevailing bitterness interferes with the palate. At the back of the palate there is little but bitterness and I am feeling disappointed by the whole experience at this point. The burn and draw stayed consistent throughout.
The finish was sharp and grassy with charred notes of paper and wood.
Appearance- 89 a nice looking smoke that lacks some visual elegance
Taste- 81 an inferior palate that never developed well
Construction- 90 the only saving grace for this cigar
Strength- 85 a very unremarkable medium/full
Overall- 86 slightly above average, a score saved by above average construction
Friday, September 18, 2009
La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero Churchill
This is a big, bold looking cigar with a dark nearly black wrapper that has a nice oily sheen. The wrapper is slightly veiny, but overall appears to be applied well. Upon inspection the construction appears to be acceptable, but there are some firm spots. The pre light aroma is of dark fruit and rich tobacco. The pre light draw is strong with notes of earth and heavy tobacco, there is a harbinger of nicotine to come.
The cigar opens with blasts of tobacco and nicotine, there is a prominent sour note to the opening that is detracting from the overall early experience. The draw is a bit tight, but the burn starts well, forming a gray ash that appears to be solid. There is little development through the first half of the cigar.
At the halfway point the nicotine and tobacco take center stage. The strength of the cigar cloys the profile and causes some problematic notes due to the numbing of the palate. There is a mixture of tobacco, earth and dark fruit flavors but dry vegetation is also present. The draw has remained tight, but the burn continues to perform well.
The final half of the cigar shows notes of pepper, dark fruit and spice. The depth just is not present though and the strength of the cigar overshadows some of the complexity that I expect from a cigar with an advanced profile of flavors. The draw is a little dead and I labor to produce acceptable amounts of smoke. The burn becomes slightly lopsided, but there are not any other issues of note.
The finish is fair and contains notes of pepper and dark fruit, the nicotine has stayed true throughout.
Appearance- 87 some veining hurt the score
Taste- 80 the profile was muddled by the strength, but there are some nice flavors present
Construction- 75 below average, draw problems diminished the performance
Strength- 77 a full plus presentation, but the strength deflects the complexity and depth of the profile in a negative way
Overall- 79.75 below average, but has some of the makings of a fine cigar
The cigar opens with blasts of tobacco and nicotine, there is a prominent sour note to the opening that is detracting from the overall early experience. The draw is a bit tight, but the burn starts well, forming a gray ash that appears to be solid. There is little development through the first half of the cigar.
At the halfway point the nicotine and tobacco take center stage. The strength of the cigar cloys the profile and causes some problematic notes due to the numbing of the palate. There is a mixture of tobacco, earth and dark fruit flavors but dry vegetation is also present. The draw has remained tight, but the burn continues to perform well.
The final half of the cigar shows notes of pepper, dark fruit and spice. The depth just is not present though and the strength of the cigar overshadows some of the complexity that I expect from a cigar with an advanced profile of flavors. The draw is a little dead and I labor to produce acceptable amounts of smoke. The burn becomes slightly lopsided, but there are not any other issues of note.
The finish is fair and contains notes of pepper and dark fruit, the nicotine has stayed true throughout.
Appearance- 87 some veining hurt the score
Taste- 80 the profile was muddled by the strength, but there are some nice flavors present
Construction- 75 below average, draw problems diminished the performance
Strength- 77 a full plus presentation, but the strength deflects the complexity and depth of the profile in a negative way
Overall- 79.75 below average, but has some of the makings of a fine cigar
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