Forgive us, but the richness and complexity of a cigar like the Coronado by La Flor Dominicana is rarely tempered with such subtlety. Certainly it was a somewhat unlikely cigar coming as it did from brand co-owner Litto Gomez, whose idea of subtlety lately has enough nicotine and sheer power to knock us into a stupor. Then again, lest we forget, La Flor started out with a series of traditional ‘mild’ cigars back in its early days. In any event, whatever its genesis, it’s back!
Now, the original product may have suffered a bit with packaging that emphasized “Coronado” rather than La Flor. Frankly a lot of consumers who may have appreciated it could have passed it right by. That has now been rectified, as the cigar wears the more recognizable LFD band with a second Coronado band denoting its place in the lineup. If it sells more cigars, we’re all for it.
However, the cigar doesn’t seem quite the same. The wrapper is a bit darker and oilier than before. Perhaps that’s due simply to fluctuations in terms of what is now available versus the original, or perhaps it’s a concession to the fact that LFD customers may be more attracted to darker wrappers, figuring them to offer more in terms of strength and flavor.
Either way, what was a great cigar then is still a heck of a cigar now. If you missed it the first go around, buy some soon. With its stout but not overpowering awesomeness, this is going to make one unbelievably good smoke just in time for cool, crisp fall nights around the fire pit with old friends as the precious evenings of outdoor smoking wane. Bittersweet and beautiful. Thanks La Flor, Litto and Inez.
THE DETAILS 6x52 Dominican Republic W: Nicaragua B: Dominican Republic F: Dominican Republic $9.30 | THE HIGHLIGHTS Rich but subtle. A prominent leathery character now holds court. Still the (relatively) poor man's Cohiba Behike and still crazy good the second time around. | THE VERDICT CLASSIC EXCELLENT VERY GOOD GOOD ---------------------- SMOKE/HOLD |