This is more of a tasting note and some quick comments (with price and source information), rather than a full review. Frankly, I do not feel comfortable doing reviews based on only a single cigar, and that’s all I have had of this one.

This came up in response to a question this weekend on the new Cigar Envy Deals and Discussion Yahoogroup. The group is up to over 375 members now in just four days of existence and ranks in the top ten of the 140 cigar-related groups there. Thanks again for the very enthusiastic response.

The factory pressed La Flor Dominicana (officially the LFD Prensado), for those who might not be familiar with it, was just introduced at the RTDA show in New Orleans a few months back. It is a new cigar in Litto Gomez’ Double Ligero series, and is offered in a very limited edition of only 400 boxes.

Of course, that is still a hefty amount of cigars, since each box contains 120 cigars, and they come packed in the original factory press trays.

The cigar has a Connecticut Broadleaf dark maduro wrapper that has been aged for 10 years. The filler is Cuban seed Corojo from the first, 1997 crop that Litto produced at his farms in the Dominican Republic. The binder is Sumatran seed also grown on his farm and aged for 8 years. This is a magnificent cigar, and I’d say would easily rate at a 90+ in Cigar Aficionado.

I will admit to a probable prejudice here, since Litto’s Double Ligero Chisel Maduro is one of my favorite cigars. This one is quite a bit more mellow and refined than the Chisel however. It is frankly a better cigar, and that is saying something.

It is also a monster. It is a 60 ring gauge(!) and is about 6 1/2 inches long. The box press takes it down to a more manageable 44 or so in thickness, but this one is still a mouthful. You will also want to set aside a couple of hours to enjoy the experience. It is a long smoke. Also, you might want to make certain that you smoke this cigar on a full stomach. By the time you get into the last half of one of the Prensados…you aren’t going to be going anywhere for awhile.

If the cigar itself doesn’t make you sit down and feel somewhat heady, then the price per box certainly should: U.S.$1,440.00

Of course, the “box” does contain 120 cigars (those factory press trays, remember?), so the actual price per stick is a somewhat less startling $12.00. There are ten trays of 12 cigars each in each “cabinet” box, and because of the price, some dealers are selling them by the tray. Since they are a limited release, don’t expect to see them discounted or offered on CigarBid.

Now, what about the cigar itself?

First, this is a very well-made cigar with a silky smooth and oily dark maduro wrapper. The factory press is somewhat irregular, flat on one side and more rounded on the others. They do have a somewhat “unfinished,” fresh look about them. Don’t let that fool you, though, since these are made from very well-aged tobacco — and superbly made as well.

Pre-light, there is a light mocha coffee aroma and some mild earthiness. The first puffs have a peppery bite and a bit of a metallic tang — something that I’ve noticed in other LFD Double Ligeros. Here, it is both stronger and more balanced however. In fact, balanced is a very good word for this cigar.

It is a smooth, medium-bodied smoke with a power that will get you deep in the belly. It burns very well, especially for a large cigar. It also draws well, and produces a good deal of smoke. Smoking one of these is a very pleasant experience.

There is a sweetness that comes through as the cigar begins to warm up.

It is a mild and pleasant sweetness, not anything that makes you think you’ve picked up a flavored smoke or that seems cloying. There is also a bit of spice present, and then it picks up the coffee and dark chocolate flavor that the aroma hinted at. What you mainly notice is the flavor of well-aged tobacco. This cigar just flat-out tastes good.

The flavor profile stays the same for a very long time. Despite that, it didn’t seem boring or one-dimensional to me although I wouldn’t call it overly complex either. I liked it just as it was.

I’d say that it is an amazingly consistent cigar for well into the second hour of smoking.

The last third or so of the cigar is surprisingly mellow and smooth, but the body increases toward full and unless you are used to smoking very full bodied cigars you will feel it. In fact, you may feel it even if you are a veteran cigar smoker. I would definitely not recommend this stick for someone who is just starting out with cigars.

The final verdict? A very balanced, smooth and flavorful medium-bodied cigar. Over the holidays, I plan to smoke a few more of them and then I’ll update this into a proper rating and full review.

Now, as to where to find them, that is more of a problem since very few retailers have them. Arnold’s Tobacco Shop in New York City has one box in stock. Full retail price. Richmond Avenue Cigar in Houston has them, but I’m not sure how many they have left or at what price. You can call them at (800) 723-6778 or email them at info@richmondavenuecigar.com for more information.

However, unless he sold out this weekend, Jack Schwartz Importer in Chicago has them by the cabinet for full retail — or by the individual cigar for $12.25 each (only a quarter more than retail price per cigar by the full cabinet. It is the best deal on them that I know of at the moment. His phone is (312) 782-7898 and his email is freematches@jackschwartz.com.