LFD Double Ligero DL654 Review

[Laynard]

5/31/2014

Cigar: La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero DL654
Size: Toro, 6.0”x54
MSRP: $8.85
Strength: Full
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra
Origin: Dominican Republic



Prelight: There are some damaged spots to the wrapper, but nothing that I would think would affect the burn too much. It is a gorgeous color, very smooth and silky, and smells slightly floral and woody. The foot looks a little under filled and smells like an earthy wood. I punch the cigar and am surprised that the pull seems a little loose, despite using my smallest punch. The cold draw tastes earthy, but there is an undertone that tastes a little like Scotch.



1/3: The Scotch is in the first few puffs, as well as a ton of black pepper. The Scotch quickly fades and I’m left with an extremely spicy, woody, earthy flavor with just a hint of sweetness. It’s a very delicious profile. But, the cigar begins to tunnel bad, so I am forced to touch up the wrapper. The draw is still loose, and I am thinking that the tunneling is due to the under filled foot. I am, however, getting a lot of smoke with each puff regardless of the loose draw. The pepper mellows at the end of the first third.



2/3: One side is burning great, but the other just won’t keep up. The slight wrapper damage is getting worse, but I am hopeful the band will keep everything together. Leather is added to the earthy wood flavors and I am still enjoying the taste of this cigar. I have to touch up a couple of times, first for the canoeing, then for another tunnel. My hygro said the humi was at 60% when I pulled this cigar, so I don’t think it is wet, I just think they used asbestos for a binder on this cigar.



3/3: There is not even a hint of pepper anymore. But I am getting my butt handed to me by the nic kick, even after a hearty dinner. The flavors are still steadily earth, leather and wood, and I still have to touch up occasionally. By the nub, I am getting almost nothing but leather.

Overall: I have mixed feelings about this cigar. Pros: great flavors, strong nicotine content. Cons: poor burn, strong nicotine content. Call me a masochist, but I am going to give this cigar another shot, but I think I’ll choose a different vitola to see if the burn is better. If that doesn’t work, a nice, long dry box may be the key (although I still don’t think this cigar was wet). After the great cigars I had from this brand, I feel this one might have been a fluke.

[MoreBeer]

I usually have some LFD Chisels around and ALWAYS dry these suckers out a few days prior to smoking. If not, I have burn issues, severe lack of smoke, diminished kick, etc. So, you're spot-on with your dry box comment.