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Our review of Cigar Aficionado’s No. 1 cigar of 2016
Litto Gomez, founder of La Flor Dominicana and creator of this very cigar, is anything short of an anomaly. So why would we expect his cigar that was crowned No. 1 Cigar of the Year by Cigar Aficionado to be any different? An outsider to the cigar industry, Gomez broke onto the scene due to his use of unusual cigar shapes. Following in this similar fashion, the Andalusian Bull is truly a stick to be reckoned with and an absolute pleasure to smoke.
Part 1: General Information
La Flor Dominicana Andalusian Bull
Country: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Ecuador
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic
Vitola: Robusto (6.5 x 64)
Price: $15.00
Part 2: Analysis
Due to its unusual size and shape, this cigar makes one feel powerful and ready to get down to business. For this smoke I decided to use a cedar spill for lighting to give the cigar the respect it deserves. A couple of puffs in and there is nothing on the palate but wood – closer to a cedar than a oak. In my mind the differentiator with this particular flavor is that if it’s a biting or spicy wood flavor, it’s closer to a cedar or hickory whereas if it’s is a darker and denser flavor, it’s closer to an oak.
For the entire first third the cedar pervades the palate with a very mild black pepper on the finish. Into the second third and the flavors have started to change and the strength has kicked up a notch. The cedar begins to take a backseat to a leather and earthy profile. To me, leather is the most difficult flavor to discern in a cigar but I find that the cigars found in La Flor Dominicana sticks are no stranger to the flavor.
As the final third begins, there is an evenness between the cedar and the leather with a finish of the black pepper, this time a tad more potent. Though I’m more of a dessert stick man myself, this cigar is balanced and is very pleasant with its more earthy and dense flavors.
If I had to describe this cigar in one word it would be royal. The construction is absolutely flawless, something you don’t necessarily see on really large ring gauges with odd shapes. The draw is perfect producing plumes of dense smoke that make the entire experience memorable and one to crave.
Boldness: 4.5/5 | Strength: 4.5/5
This cigar takes roughly 120-140 minutes to smoke and would make a wonderful celebratory stick. As I stated earlier, this cigar makes one feel powerful, as if you’ve conquered something. Pair this with a nice espresso and you’re well on your way to perfection. This cigar is a great intermediate smoke as the strength can be quite prominent.
Part 3: Verdict
Overall, I would give this cigar a 9.25/10. Cigar Aficionado nailed this one. Smoking a cigar is all about the experience and how it makes you feel. The La Flor Dominicana Andalusian Bull just does it right.
Thanks for reading.
Stylishly Yours,
Christopher Benedetto
He Spoke Style
