La Flor Dominica Reserva Especial Robusto

[Newfie]

I was BBQing yesterday and wanted something milder but decent as I tended the grille. I went to my collection and took this out. To say the least, I was suprised at how flavourful a milder cigar could be!

Initial Impressions:

The construction was close to perfect and the cap reminded me of an ISOM. The wrapper was smooth with almost an absence of appreciable veins. The feel was firm and it had a faint scent of something I couldn't identify, but if I had to guess, nutty maybe. It clipped perfectly without disturbing any of the wrapper and the predraw was perfect for me and got a hint of flavours similar to the scent.

Lighting:
As I was toasting the end, I was immediately hit with an awesome aroma. It lit easily and was pleasant, but not as mild as I had expected, with more smoke I've come to experience from a milder stick.

Burn:
The burn was a little jagged, but nothing that required touch-ups or even turning. I figured the bit of zig-zag burn just gave the stick a little character

Flavour:
The flavour was something of some sort of wood, with faint spices. But the smoke was heavy with pepper to the nose (in a pleasant way). Flavours changed slightly through the length of the smoke, but were almost discernable to my inexperienced palatte. A more experienced smoker would be able to identify the changes, I'm sure.

Final Impressions:

I "nubbed" it is an understatement. The strength grew through the length of the cigar, but never to a point where it was overpowering, even on an empty stomach. By the time I put it in the ashtray, my fingers and lips we starting to burn. To me, it was one of the finest mild smokes I've treated myself to, and would recommend it to just about anyone, including experienced smokers who are looking for a milder stick for whatever reason. This is definately on my shopping list for over the summer.

Rating:

I would have to give it between an 87 - 89 score. I never thought I would be able to give a rating this high without it being a M-F smoke like Padrons and DCM's I've smoked previously.

[brian]

Nice reveiw Newfie. Makes me want to go out and try one.

[Cabaiguan Juan]

I was BBQing yesterday and wanted something milder but decent as I tended the grille. I went to my collection and took this out. To say the least, I was suprised at how flavourful a milder cigar could be!

Initial Impressions:

The construction was close to perfect and the cap reminded me of an ISOM. The wrapper was smooth with almost an absence of appreciable veins. The feel was firm and it had a faint scent of something I couldn't identify, but if I had to guess, nutty maybe. It clipped perfectly without disturbing any of the wrapper and the predraw was perfect for me and got a hint of flavours similar to the scent.

Lighting:
As I was toasting the end, I was immediately hit with an awesome aroma. It lit easily and was pleasant, but not as mild as I had expected, with more smoke I've come to experience from a milder stick.

Burn:
The burn was a little jagged, but nothing that required touch-ups or even turning. I figured the bit of zig-zag burn just gave the stick a little character

Flavour:
The flavour was something of some sort of wood, with faint spices. But the smoke was heavy with pepper to the nose (in a pleasant way). Flavours changed slightly through the length of the smoke, but were almost discernable to my inexperienced palatte. A more experienced smoker would be able to identify the changes, I'm sure.

Final Impressions:

I "nubbed" it is an understatement. The strength grew through the length of the cigar, but never to a point where it was overpowering, even on an empty stomach. By the time I put it in the ashtray, my fingers and lips we starting to burn. To me, it was one of the finest mild smokes I've treated myself to, and would recommend it to just about anyone, including experienced smokers who are looking for a milder stick for whatever reason. This is definately on my shopping list for over the summer.

Rating:

I would have to give it between an 87 - 89 score. I never thought I would be able to give a rating this high without it being a M-F smoke like Padrons and DCM's I've smoked previously.

I bought one from my local B&M the other day. I'm looking forward to lighting it up. Nice to know about other peoples (good)experiences going into it. Glad to see you liked it!

[Tully]

Nice review. About how long did it take to smoke?

From your review I bet it warmed up your taste buds for the BBQ afterwards as well.

I wonder if a mild smoke like that would have had a drasticly different review if you had waited till after the BBQ had assaulted your tastebuds with such strong flavors? Interesting to think about, as I'm sure you did when you decided to choose a mild smoke while grilling, like you said!

[Newfie]

Nice review. About how long did it take to smoke?

From your review I bet it warmed up your taste buds for the BBQ afterwards as well.

I wonder if a mild smoke like that would have had a drasticly different review if you had waited till after the BBQ had assaulted your tastebuds with such strong flavors? Interesting to think about, as I'm sure you did when you decided to choose a mild smoke while grilling, like you said!

It took about 45 minutes. I had spuds baking on the BBQ so there was plenty of time.

I think a mild smoke wouldn't be enjoyed as much after a hearty meal. If it hadn't started to piss rain just as we were eating, I had planned a DC Maximus for after dinner.