Two generations of Coronado.
La Flor Dominicana makes great cigars. Its master blender and owner, Litto Gomez helped usher in the ligero craze, and introduced the world to the unique chisel cigar design. But one of my favorite LFD blends has little ligero leaf, and no chisel at all. Introduced in 2006, the original Coronado (then called Coronado by La Flor), had such great flavor and aroma, that it stood out as a classic example of Dominican cigar flavor. The wrapper changed in 2007, and, to this smoker, the blend suffered. It was still a good cigar, but the magic of that original blend was gone. Until now…
Getting Reacquainted.
When I read that the Coronado was reintroduced at the IPCPR this year, I was excited. After an eighteen-month absence, the cigar is once again in production. On blind faith, I ordered a box and I’m glad I did. This new Coronado is even better than the original.
Over the last decade, cigar blending has taken a leap forward. These days, cigar flavor is bigger than ever, with an emphasis on complexity and strength. The new Coronado has the same character of the original, but with an updated flavor profile. It’s spicier, bolder, and has flavors that grab your attention. With a pumpkin-spice element, the Coronado has a unique quality unlike anything I’ve smoked.
The Feel-good Cigar.
The Coronado is a masterpiece of cigar making. Its flawless Habano Sun-Grown wrapper is grown in Jalapa, Nicaragua, and gorgeous. Silky to the touch and colorado in color, it burns with an aroma that can only be described as classic. The fillers and binder are 100% Dominican tobaccos grown at LFD’s La Canela farm. With a perfect draw; the burn is even through the length of the stick, rarely needing a touchup. Plus the cigar keeps its cool under fire. It’s a pleasure to hold.
This is a medium strength cigar, but the flavor is such that even an experienced cigar smoker will appreciate its qualities. At first, the Coronado is quite spicy, but that soon fades into a creamy, well balanced blend of cinnamon, mint, and earth. It has an autumnal quality that conjures up images of spiced hot apple cider on a chilly day. If a cigar could be comfort food, the Coronado comes very close.
The new LFD Coronado
Balance is Key.
Cigar blending is an art, and Litto Gomez has proven himself one of the best cigar makers of his generation. With the new Coronado, he has gone back to basics, and created a cigar that focuses on balance. Too often I try cigars too strong to enjoy, or too earthy to reveal subtleties of flavor. Here, everything is in balance, with flavors that coat the palate. Right to the nub, this cigar stays interesting and never turns bitter.
The new Coronado is a cigar that only a confident cigar blender could make. It shows true understanding of the qualities of a great cigar. It’s easier to make a strong, earthy cigar by loading up the ligero. In today’s market, that seems to be the trend. But my hat goes of to Sr. Gomez. In this version of the Coronado, he has given us a truly classic cigar, one for the ages. I predict accolades, and recommend everyone get their hands on this truly great cigar.
Specs:
Vitola: Double Corona (7×54).
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano Sungrown (colorado).
Binder: Dominican Republic.
Filler: Dominican Republic .
Flavors: Black pepper, pumpkin, cinnamon.
Manufacturer: La Flor Dominicana
Blender: Litto Gomez
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic.
X Factor: 9.8
Finish: Sweet
Strength: Medium.
Price: $9.00
Thanks for listening,
Joe
