(Update: A redux review of this cigar has been done. You can see that review here.)
When I brought this cigar with the lounge yesterday to smoke, I didn’t plan on reviewing it. I just wanted to enjoy the cigar while watching the football game. However, as I was smoking through the first third, I realized that this was becoming really enjoyable and I wanted to share my experience with you.
Production of this cigar is limited to 30,000 packed in crates of 104 cigars which limits distribution to about 285 crates. Supposedly, the plants used for this production cigar are grown on a blocked off section on farm where only the premium leaves are used. Considering that I have enjoyed several LFDs, I needed to see for myself if there was a drastic difference in quality.
1/11/2011
Litto Gomez Small Batch #3
Wrapper: Dominican Sumatra
Binder/Filler: Dominican
Size: 6.75 x 52
MSRP: $17.00
Smoke Time: 2 hours
Time In Humidor: 120 Days
Drink: Water
Location: JR Cigars
Construction/Appearance:
The construction of this cigar is definitely noted. However, some traits that you don’t expect to want on your cigar are all over this one, which seems to be a trademark. The entire wrapper is bumpy with veins running throughout the length. These characteristics give this cigar some identity and please note, that these traits did not affect the cigar at all. While the cigar had a very spongy texture, the Small Batch felt well packed and not underfilled.
The wrapper has a reddish, something I rarely see on a cigar. It looks absolutely beautiful with some maroon(ish) spots scattered on the vitola. The label itself is vintage Litto Gomez, simple but with a touch of elegance.
Burn/Draw:
As you can see, the burn on this cigar is very even and the smoke is medium to full bodied. Allowing the smoke to slowly release from my mouth, it becomes a ribbon like procession. The ash is beautiful to look at, a nice white texture and very thick.
Flavor/Aroma:
The Litto Gomez Small Batch #3 has prelight aromas of sour dough. Similar to a sweet and sour smell like a tart flavor. Once lit, I detected more tartness throughout with notes of a floral texture. Definitely very smooth and unlike any cigar that I have smoked to date. Didn’t notice any peppery flavors until later but for the first 2 thirds or so, this cigar reminded me of perhaps a lemon meringue pie or something similar. Finally, reaching the last third, the Small Batch decides to allow peppery sensations to enter the party, which was welcoming after tasting the pure sweet/sour flavors for the first hour and 30 minutes.
Final Thoughts:
The price tag of this cigar puts in the realm and reach of many high quality smokes. However, where I feel this cigar makes it’s mark is in the flavor department. The Small Batch #3 stands out because of it’s unique notes and high quality. For that, I would pay a little more for variety in the humidor. This cigar is a very good smoke and worth having in your humidor. Obviously, buying a entire crate is not really a feasible idea, so probably five and ten pack are the best way to go.
RATING: 92