When is a belicoso not really a belicoso? The answer is simple in this case, when it a La Flor Dominicana Reserva Especial Belicoso. Confused? I was when I opened the box of Belicoso cigars this morning and found it has a normal shape to it versus the tapered rounded cap we have come to expect for a size bearing its name.
Thankfully, we caught up with Jonathan Carney the Vice President of Sales for La Flor Dominicana who took the time to explain to us this rather comical story.
Cigar Review: La Flor Dominicana Reserva Especial
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic
Length: 5.5
Ring Gauge: 52
Vitola: Belicoso (Not Belicoso)
Cutter: Lotus Jaws
Lighter: Vertigo Twister
The Look: Packaged in white boxes, the Reserva Especial continues the re-branding efforts of La Flor Dominicana giving their cigar lines separation on the shelf. For me personally, I love it as it creates depth on the shelves instead of everything blending together. Inside the box the cigar with a Ecuador Connecticut wrapper is a shade darker than most of this variety. It’s flawless in appearance with a few thin veins and a seamless roll. In the hand it has an average weight, balanced and a well packed foot.
The Notes: The cold draw of the LFD Reserva Especial reminds me a bit of the Kola nut. There is a sweetness present with just enough bitter aspects to create balanace. There is also a hint of caramel and molasses especially on the foot of the cigar which also has a hint of muddled mint leaf with a touch of lime that reminds of a Mojito.
Once the cigar is lit the initial notes are on par with the cold draw as there are hints of kola nut along with some cashew like components as well. In the background there is a caramel and molasses like sweetness that linger on to the moderate finish. There are citrus like components on the retrohale with a lingering red pepper.
The second third of the cigar becomes woodsy with hints of earth and a continued, although less defined nuttiness. At the halfway point, some cinnamon notes begin to emerge with a touch of anise thrown to the mix. The finish of the cigar sees a leather component added to the mix with continued red pepper.
In the last third of the cigar anise is dominant and enjoyable while the finish of the cigar which grows in duration is woodsy with a touch of kola nut. The retrohale sees the red pepper continue although it has toned down considerably with a nose of leather and wood to round things out.
The Finish: The Reserva Especial from La Flor Dominicana while not being a powerhouse is not your typical Connecticut cigar. The power of the cigar seems to build as the cigar progresses with an abundance of complexity that is extremely enjoyable. What stands out for me is how different the cigar is in comparison to the mainstay Ligero and Double Ligero lines. This is a must smoke for those who are fans of LFD and those who want to be introduced to La Flor Dominicana.
Score: 91
Price: $8.99 / $190.99 (Box of 24)
La Flor Dominicana Reserva Especial Belicoso
La Flor Dominicana Reserva Especial Belicoso Foot
La Flor Dominicana Reserva Especial Belicoso Burn
