Litto Gomez Small Batch cigars was first released to the public in 2006 with a production count of approximately 20,000 cigars. The goal was make a cigar in it’s entirety from the La Canela Farm in Dominican Republic. Even though the majority of quality tobacco was small , they were able to produce enough to make a cigar in limited amounts. Hence, the name “Small Batch”.
The Litto Gomez Diez Small Batch #2 was produced from a 2003 crop. As with the Small Batch #1 and #3, it uses Dominican grown Sumatra seed tobacco. For Small Batch #4, Litto Gomez decided to go with a Pelo de Oro wrapper which entirely different from the previous 3 Small Batches.. It was also recently announced that La Flor Dominicana will be releasing a Small Batch #4 with a Pelo de Oro Oscuro Wrapper this week (6/25/12) which you can read more about here.
Small Batch #4 Oscuro
Wrapper: Pelo de Oro Oscuro
Binder/Filler: Dominican
Size: 7 x 52
Expected Release Date: June 2012
Production Count: 10.5k (crates of 105)
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Small Batch #4
Wrapper: Pelo de Oro
Binder/Filler: Dominican
Size: 7 x 52
Release Date: November 2011
Production Count: 26k (crates of 105)
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Small Batch #3
Wrapper: Dominican Sumatra
Binder/Filler: Dominican
Size: 6 3/4 x 52
Release Date: August 2010
Production Count: 30.5k (crates of 105)
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Small Batch #2
Wrapper: Dominican Sumatra
Binder/Filler: Dominican
Size: 6 1/2 x 54
Release Date: 2007
Production Count: 30k (crates of 105)
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Small Batch #1
Wrapper: Dominican Sumatra
Binder/Filler: Dominican
Size: 7 x 52
Release Date: 2006
Production Count: 20k (crates of 105)
Litto Gomez Diez Small Batch #2
Wrapper: Dominican Sumatra
Binder/Filler: Dominican
Size: 6.5 x 54
Vitola: (Super) Toro
MSRP: $16.00
Time In Humidor: 5 years
Smoke Time: 2hr 10min
Drink: Water
Location: Backyard
Construction/Appearance:
The Litto Gomez Diez Small Batch #2 has a much darker wrapper compared to the #3 that I reviewed earlier. In fact, while both cigars have the same colors, the #2 is predominantly a darker brown with reddish spots throughout and the #3 is exactly the opposite. The Small Batch line has always been “weighty” and consistently well rolled and this one is no different. They all shared the same beautiful band until the #4 added ” IV” to it. The Small Batch #2 is a toothy cigar that feels balanced and the construction actually seems to be bit better than the #3. The veins aren’t as prominent and the vitola has a smoother profile.
Burn/Draw:
For being such a dense cigar, the cut across the head was very easy. It has an impressive cold draw close to being effortless as well. I’m shocked at how well the cut and draw is on this cigar considering how much tobacco is in it. The burn was even in the beginning but with a few waves here and there, nothing to take away from the cigar. As stated earlier, it has a wonderful draw and perhaps the two cigars burned a bit faster (than with a tighter draw) but this vitola doesn’t short change you in any way in terms of length of smoke time. The smoke was sharp, tight and definitely not sporadic. It also had a chewy texture which I enjoyed. The ash was flaky but held strong to the cigar lasting about 1.5 inches.
Flavor/Aroma:
The aroma on the wrapper was faint and similar to cedar and tobacco but foot was an entirely different story. The notes were heavenly and the first thing I thought of was, “sweet goodness!” The foot was a great mix of cedar, cinnamon spice and aged tobacco.
On the initial draw, the flavors were predominantly cedar and wood. I didn’t notice much of pepper nor any sweet flavors as compared to the #3. Getting into the first part, the primary notes are oak and cedar with a pine and nut finish. This doesn’t really change until we get an inch or so into the cigar where I notice some red pepper notes.
In the second third, the flavors haven’t changed much as cedar and oak are dominant with a mix of red pepper. Halfway through, I do come across some leather and nutty flavors as well while the red pepper lingers on the finish. This cigar feels like a strong medium and a fair amount of complexity.
Finally, the last third changes dramatically and in my opinion, for the better. The flavors are of sour cherry notes with some red pepper. I do get the nuts and cedar but I’m really just focusing on the tart flavors as they are comparable to the notes in the Small Batch #3. To further increase the complexity of this cigar, dark chocolate decides to show up.
Final Thoughts:
- This cigar starts off as a solid medium that really doesn’t leave those boundaries until the last third. However, the flavors in the last third aren’t what you typically expect from a full bodied cigar so it would probably be very hard to notice the change. This cigar certainly has a high degree of complexity though it’s not as much as a Small Batch #3 and probably on the same as a Small Batch #4.
- While the flavors were solid in the first part and developed a bit more in the next, the last third is where this cigar absolutely shines. This part separates itself from other premium cigars in the same price range. However, I don’t know if the Small Batch #2 as a whole is strong is enough to separate itself from other premium cigars.
- The construction and draw were very good as was the burn. Those things I “demand” of a cigar in the $16-18 price range.
- There are no harsh or bitter notes in this cigar and with five years of age on them, I wouldn’t expect it. To me, this is a very good cigar with a balanced flavor profile with various interesting notes. As my own personal preference, I enjoy the Small Batch #3 more. While I think the SB #2 is just as complex, the SB #3 showcases some very unique and delicious flavors that I truly enjoy. They’re not the same cigar in terms of flavors.
- Would I purchase more of these? Perhaps if the price is right and close to MSRP because I don’t believe it should be selling for more a few dollars more than that, even if you were to find them now. As with most HTF cigars, you would be paying for the rarity and not necessarily the excellence.
Rating: 92
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