La Flor Dominicana TAA Exclusivo 2017 Cigar Review

Last year, one of the hottest TAA Releases was from La Flor Dominicana. That cigar was extra limited 10 count box that was only available a TAA events. That cigar featured a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper and sold out in the blink on an eye. This year, that blend makes its return for the 2017 TAA Release in a 25 count box. The cigar is limited to about 75 retailers that make up the Tobacconist Association of America along with a handful of manufacturers such as La Flor Dominicana.

Cigar Review: La Flor Dominicana TAA Exclusivo 2017
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Cameroon
Filler: Dominican Republic
Length: 6
Ring Gauge: 54
Size: Box Press Toro

The Look: Like last year, the La Flor Dominicana TAA in a cedar box that features the LFD logo lined up next to the TAA logo. Inside the cigars are presented in two-rows of 12 and 13, respectfully.  At first glance, I was curious if they changed the blend from the initial report of Connecticut Broadleaf, because the wrapper has a reddish-brown hue to it. However, VP of Sales Jonathan Carney who stopped by for a visit this week assured me this was indeed Connecticut Broadleaf. The wrapper is flawless, loaded with oils and and perfectly box pressed. The box also features the CRA stamp on it which is featured on boxes of cigars from corporate sponsors of the Cigar Rights of America.

The Notes: Once the cigar is clipped I like to perform what I call my pre-light ritual. I accomplish this but taking a draw of the cigar before it is lit, and the initial notes are that of mesquite, hay and a subtle cedar. After the cold draw I like to take into aroma of the foot which offers a rich heart amplified version of mesquite with hints of cinnamon and cedar. This ritual helps open up the mind and the palate for the experience.

After lighting the La Flor Dominica TAA Exclusivio 2017  there initial notes are reminiscent to the days when charcoal BBQ grills were the normal. There is that taste meat at when grilled that exists in this cigar. As we progress father into the first third of the cigar notes of pepper begin to develop especially on the retrohale with a subtle nutmeg, cinnamon and a wisp of lime. As the first third comes to a close some caramel sweetness is introduced.

In the second third caramel notes begin to develop further, but the real star of the show here is this citrus note that borders on lime. So much so that I am salivating for a mojito as I smoke this gem of a cigar. There are notes of earth, and cedar as well with the BBQ note of the first third holding on though at a far less intensity as experienced in the first third. Around the half way point the pepper notes become a well-defined cayenne pepper and the BBQ note becomes dominant on the retrohale.

As we close out the cigar there is still a subtle sweetness abut the cigar but it’s less defined then the previous third. There are notes of leather and nutmeg with a continued cayenne pepper on the finish of the cigar.

The Finish: Balanced. This might be one of the most balanced cigars ever produced by La Flor Dominicana, and despite reservations on the first look of the cigar, it might just be better than last years special TAA Event Maduro release. It’s an epic cigar, one that I can’t wait to light up again. Count me in for two boxes, because it’s that good especially if you are a fan of La Flor Dominicana.

Score: 95
Price: $9.99 / $229.99