LA FLOR DOMINICANA DOUBLE LIGERO NO. 654 CIGAR REVIEW 2024
Twice the Ligero, twice the fun! This isn’t a gum commercial; it’s another cigar review. Specifically, this is about Litto Gomez’s full-bodied beauty – La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero in No. 654.
HISTORY OF LA FLOR DOMINICANA DOUBLE LIGERO
It was introduced in 2003 as one of the first cigars to popularize “Ligero” – a leaf that has become dear to many smokers’ hearts since then. Like everything Litto Gomez produces, this LFD undergoes strict quality control before being made available on the market. He prides himself on crafting the perfect smoke for any level of aficionado.
This is my first time trying a La Flor Dominicana cigar, so I was very excited about reviewing the Double Ligero 654. Lately, I’ve been leaning towards more robust sticks with Ecuadorian wrappers. Therefore, this should be right up my alley. Let’s fire it up and see where this takes me.
THOUGHTS ON THE COLD DRAW
I went with my go-to straight cut for this smoking experience – I wasn’t sure what to expect from the cold draw. Many people have told me not to judge a cigar by its wrapper color; however, Colorado Maduro can be quite deceiving.
On the pre-light intake alone, I could taste red pepper flakes and fresh-cut grass.I’m not too shocked about Red Pepper flakes due to what type of wrapper is on this stick but I was definitely surprised when floral notes came through on the cold draw and was looking forward to tasting them throughout my smoke.
FIRST THIRD IMPRESSIONS
A good ten minutes into smoking – roughly around the end of the first third- were consumed by flavors bouncing off each other like atoms in a hard candy shell: cinnamon and licorice played hopscotch over my palate while earthy floral tones stood still at attention next-door sweetness provided by wrapper danced around them like kids playing tag in springtime sun giving off candy notes that brought me back every summer since ’96 or ’97.
As I transitioned into the second third, earth became prominent against my palate. Sweet spice and wood were also present but nothing compared to the dominance of those tannins from an Ecuadorian wrapper leaf used on this blend expressing themselves through these earthy floral notes.
SECOND THIRD IMPRESSIONS
There is also a slight red pepper flake hidden underneath everything else giving just enough freshness making them easy to take
This is the point where the cigar really began to open up for me. Normally it opens in the second third, but I started being able to taste the strength of the Ligero tobacco towards the end.
The smoke opened up with a lot of cinnamon for me which was like a nice cherry on top. This was great because I got all these sweet spices like cinnamon, and earthy tones such as wood and fresh-cut grass.
Once I finished this final third, it’s safe to say that whatever Litto Gomez blends together will be smoked by me again.
PAIRING OPTIONS
I had this smoke later in the evening while doing this review. I didn’t want my go-to beverage (coffee) so I went with some bourbon instead; specifically Jefferson’s Ocean with two cubes of ice. The strongness of this drink paired well with the smoke and wasn’t too much for me if i’m being honest about my ability to handle them both at once.
Also, something one of my colleagues told me before lighting this one up. Make sure you smoke this gem on a full stomach. Having this smoke on an empty stomach for some newcomers may be a bit overwhelming.
I had this after dinner one night and having a full stomach was most likely why it didn’t feel like a full-bodied smoke at that time for me.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I wasn’t sure what my experience was going to be like with LFD Double Ligero No 654. Being that it was my very first time smoking anything from a company I knew nothing about, I kept high hopes for this smoke.
After smoking the 654 in under an hour and a half, I can honestly say that i’ve never been more blown away by any other cigar i’ve ever smoked. The flavor notes blended so well together and even though it is considered full-bodied; there wasn’t any heaviness that usually comes along when smoking stronger cigars.
With roughly ten different sizes under one brand, the LFD Double Ligero is very reasonably priced. A box of $20 can be found anywhere for between $120-$140.00, making the MSRP for a single cigar $7.00; which is about what you’re paying for cigars these days.
I know La Flor Dominicana isn’t a name you see floating around the internet or cigar circles too often. But with the deliciousness of the flavor notes combined with how inexpensive this brand really is, i’d say it’s definitely worth taking a shot on grabbing some singles, or even a box of these; especially if you’re new to cigars like me.
