Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Coronado by La Flor Double Corona

Cigar name: Coronado by La Flor
aka: "LFD Coronado"
Vitola: Double Corona (7" x 50)
Wrapper: Nicaraguan wrapper grown in Jalapa
Binder: Corojo
Filler: Dominican LFD farm grown Piloto Cubano
Released: August 2006
Quantity: Regular Release
MSRP: $7.75 x 24 per box = $162.00
Extra Info: This new line of cigars by La Flor Dominicana will come in three sizes; a 7 x 50 Double Corona, 7 x 54 Double Toro, and a 7 x 60 Corona Gorda. The filler is a Dominican Piloto with a Dominican Corojo binder. The wrapper will be the same Nicaraguan Litto uses on his Ligero Torpedo. This notoriously rare smoke has been getting rave reviews – topped off by a number two ranking on Cigar Aficionado’s “Best Cigars of the Year” list for 2006.

Thanks for the research help.

Appearance: This was one BEAUTIFUL looking cigar. A light squeeze produced a bit of give but it sprung right back to shape. Perusal of this cigar showed that it was nice and evenly packed, and draped in a beautiful cinnamon reddish colored wrapper. Also this wrapper was smooth, free of major veins, oily, and practically glistening.

Pre-Light: Before lighting it up I gave the unlit cigar a whiff, and the stick smelled sweet and earthy, like organic honey. Clip was easy and a non issue with the Synchro Cutter. The prelight draw was perfect and there were notes of leather, roast coffee and lots of tanginess.

Burn/Draw: Both the burn and draw were complete non issues, the burn line never really strayed far enough to warrant much mention. The draw was easy, and while it didn't produce as much smoke as I thought it would, it was not a problem as the flavors were not at all affected. The ash was medium grey, mottled and held firm.

Flavors: This is one mighty tasty cigar, and like any truly premium stick the flavors developed and changed over time. this cigar had three rather distinct changes. Upon first light until about the first third, this cigar kick starts with a blast with an initial burst of pepper, and a bunch of hot cinnamon. The middle third of this cigar rounded out to being rich and full and creamy, sweeter with those notes of organic honey and rich dark roast chocolate from the prelight, along with some balancing notes of leather and cedary woodiness. Over the final third the earthiness ramps up a notch and the spiciness returns, black pepper and sage, peaty damp earth, and more woodiness, but more like campfire smoky. Overall, and especially at this price point, this is a damn good stick. HIGHLY Recommended.

TomC