Welcome back to another Monday review. I hope that everyone had a great holiday weekend and had the opportunity to enjoy a couple of fine cigars. As for me, the holiday was good and I did manage to sneak in a couple of cigars over the weekend, one of which is todays review.
Today I have a review of the La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero Chisel. This particular stick was the natural wrapped version and weighs in at six inches long with a fifty four ring gauge. The cigar is composed of an Ecuadorian wrapper with Dominican Binder and fillers. This cigar was released into the market in 2003 and gets its name due double dose of Ligero tobacco that makes up the binder and filler.
During my pre light inspection I found the wrapper to be a little lumpy with a fair amount of heavy veins running throughout. When pinched the body felt firm with a light spring to it. The aroma of the open foot was very peppery, to the point where I actually began sneezing.
After my inspection was complete I decided to use a guillotine cutter so clip the chisel cap. I checked the pre light draw and found it to be fantastic, as well as having a nice sweet flavor that grabbed my attention right away. With everything going well so far I moved on and began the toasting and lighting process. After a quick toast and light the cigar was producing lots of thick and flavor smoke.
The first puff caught me completely off guard. It tasted as if I was just slapped in the mouth with a handful of pepper. The flavor and body started off on a very intense note while the finish was long and smooth. The interesting part of this intense flavor and body was that it was not harsh at all. Even though the first puff gave me the impression that I had a long and powerful smoke ahead of me that would normally be too much for me, I enjoyed it very much.
After about six puffs the intense body began to settle into about the middle of the full spectrum, rather than the peak. While the body settled the flavor did not, this left me tasting heavy pepper, spice, and sweet tobacco flavors that I found to be very enjoyable. The finish remained long and smooth while the draw seemed to be getting a little firm. The burn rate was slow as well as even while producing a strong yet sweet room aroma.
As I worked my way into the second third of the cigar I found myself feeling a little light headed. The full body and flavor was making for a great smoke, but hidden in all that good flavor was a fair amount of nicotine that was beginning to impact the way I was feeling. At this point I switched over from Water to Iced Tea in hopes that the sugar would help with the nicotine impact I was feeling. Fortunately, the Tea did the trick and I was back to enjoying my Double Ligero Chisel.
The dominant peppery flavor was beginning to fade and a strong spiciness was taking its place. In addition to the spice, the sweet tobacco flavors were beginning to slowly build. The body was slowly moving from the middle of the full spectrum back towards the peak. The finish remained long and smooth while the draw continued to getting more and more firm as the cigar burned.
Once I made my way into the final third, things really began to pick up for a strong finish. The flavor in general was very full overall which consisted of mild peppery flavors, a strong spiciness, and a dominant sweet tobacco flavor that mixed very well together. The finish remained long and smooth, which complimented the flavor profile very well. The draw remained firm but manageable and the burn was both slow and even producing a light colored firm ash.
As I finished the cigar I got up and was quickly reminded how much of a powerhouse this cigar was. I felt the need to refill my Iced Tea and go lay down for a few minutes. Overall I think that this is a fantastic cigar, but you need to really prepare yourself for the punch that it packs. Do yourself a favor and have something sweet on hand for when the nicotine kicks in and you feel a little light headed.
I would absolutely recommend this cigar to the experienced (being you have smoked cigars for a few months) cigar smoker that enjoys full bodied and full flavored cigars. This is a cigar that mild cigar smokers should stay far, far, away from.
At a price point of $7.00 at my local shop this cigar falls outside my every day comfort zone, but I think that it is well worth the price. I will definitely be picking up a couple here and there to keep on hand.
Awesome review Walt! This cigar is a staple in my humidor. I’ve got a few boxes sitting in the humidor in both natural and maduro. This cigar is not for the meek. The first time I smoked it, I broke out into a sweat and had to lay down. I have friends that smoke occasionally and went they see the Chisel they want to try it based on its looks. I warned them about the strength of the cigar but they just ignored me. It was fun just watching these guys turn pale and on the verge of puking. Like Walt said, this cigar is the perfect smoke for having after a big meal.
I love these cigars but I stick with the Chiselito. The Chisel is just too much. These cigars are strong but they have a great flavor.
Great review Walt. I love these cigars (as you might imagine) and try to smoke one every couple of weeks. Your review is the first one I’ve read about this stick which matches my experience – lots of pepper and full tobacco flavor, then lots of spice. A very rich and flavorful cigar.
nice review, i just picked one of these up, i can’t wait to smoke it. i was hoping you would use one of the punch cutting methods on it, either where you punch a whole in the top or all the way through the chisel, i wanted to know if it would make a difference in the smoke. anyways, thanks for the great review.
Great review walt, I dont like very peppery cigars, but it sounds like the chisel shape makes a much better smoke. So i shall be looking for one.
Great review on a powerhouse of a smoke. I made the mistake once of smoking this fast and I felt bad thereafter. I will never underestimate that again, but I did enjoy.
Great review, Walt.
I have a few toro size LFD double ligeros in the humi and dug one out after supper.I found it smoked very similar to your review. The first 1/2 inch will get your attention and then it smothed out nicely. It went very well with the Shiner Bock I paired it with (Brian will know what that is). The pepper stayed noticible to the very end with some spice and cedar flavors. For me this is an enjoyable smoke every 2-4 weeks. Someone with larger cajones may like these little more often.
As a side note I think LFD has the most beautiful cigar band in existance. I find their construction is consistently excellent and the band just adds to the aesthetic appeal of their product.
I never really understood the fascination with cigar that make you lightheaded or nauseous. The sugar trick definitely works, just keep a jar of honey near you and swallow a few spoonfuls. I love the rich flavours but prefer them in a more balanced cigar where I don’t have to consume a heavy meal first.
Great review overall and you definitely nailed the description of this cigar IMO… they aren’t for everybody but I know a lot of people absolutely love these sticks.
hey wassup again! i watched the q&a before the Double Ligero and i’m still laughing because i had just commented that my local b&m owner noted, when i asked for the most full bodied stick that he had, gave me this stogie and advised to eat a steak and potato dinner before…well i’m glad i ate at the steak and ale, other wise it would have kicked my rump shaker.
great smoke btw, i called my buddy in knoxville the next day to warn him because he bought a couple when he was with me. he, unfortunately, smoked his as his 1st cigar of the day and almost had a Jerry ‘vomit in the mouth’ moment on the first puff. LMAO!!
this La Flor is probably the ‘strongest’ cigar i have ever smoked that actually wasn’t all punch. it had a very smooth woody/cedar after thought that lingered until the last puff. not for the faint of heart!
thanks once again!
I love these LFD Double Ligeros!
You are right about only experienced smokers should buy these.
Litto should put a disclaimer on the box:
Warning: Do not smoke these cigars on an empty stomach, while operating heavy equipment, or while engaged in any hazardous activity like explaining to your wife why you just HAD to buy four boxes of these. This cigar may cause dizziness or an upset stomach in girlie-men. Cigar Nirvana may be achieved by use of this product.
I picked one of these up in a trade just yesterday, I’m afraid I might be one of the girlie-men that tacHammer speaks of. 🙂 Definitely going to let it sit for a while and will make sure to put a big dinner before it.
Steve, Damn-fine choice my friend, Shiner Bock is my favorite summer beers.
Why do cigars make a person light-headed and nauseous?
Ran across this and had to comment. Please don’t take this too personal, but it is clearly evident that you shouldn’t be giving cigar reviews. At least not without a lot more experience. A seasoned cigar smoker will know the mistakes you’ve made and dismiss this review, but novices won’t. You made numerous faux pas, and some fundamental mistakes in procedure and knowledge that makes this very evident. For instance, you should never light your cigar by drawing the flame of your lighter into your cigar; it ruins the taste. It also is a little scary that you don’t know how to use a punch cutter, but you’re giving advice on how to smoke a Chisel using one. Also, when you said the smoke bounces off the roof of your mouth and down onto your pallet… the roof of your mouth IS your pallet. My friend Litto Gomez would be glad you enjoyed your Chisel, but he would be appalled to see you sucking flames into your cigar, not cutting it properly and drinking HI-C with it, all while giving a review of how it tasted! BTW, you looked almost green around the gills while you were smoking this cigar, not at all like you were really enjoying it. You don’t have to drink sugary drinks to combat the nausea, just take your own advice and smoke it after a meal, NOT on an empty stomach. I think you should do some more reading and a LOT more smoking before you get into giving reviews. If you haven’t been smoking at least 3-5 years, you probably don’t have a well enough developed pallet to really know what you’re tasting or talking about. But, I’ll give you an “A” for effort.
Joe,
I appreciate your input and you taking the time to leave a comment.
I have never claimed to be a professional cigar reviewer nor have I claimed to know everything. With that said I’m sorry if you did not enjoy the review, or the site in general but I enjoy doing these reviews and will continue to do so until it is no longer enjoyable.
Once again, I appreciate the comment
Joe
I think your comment is alittle harsh. These guys do these reviews for free. They fit them in in there spare time. All so that we can enjoy them. I think you should take that into account.
Walt,
Your reviews are great, its people like Joe that make new cigar smokers think they shouldn’t be smoking and that if they do something slightly different that they would be rejected by the cigar community. Keep it up Walt!!
Joe – You’re an ass! What makes you an expert? You must be a devout CA carebear who thinks CA is the Bible of Cigar Smoking.
You see its people like you Joe, who make people think cigar smokers are snobs. You give us a bad a name. Who the heck cares about how you cut or light your cigar? Isn’t the main point of cigar smoking is to ENJOY you smoke? Cancel your CA subscription and get a life.
SR guys, us normal people, us cigar smokers who enjy smoking and don’t get caught up in the bullshit “rules” of smoking, really love what you guys are doing. Don’t let bums like Joe keep you down.
Joe, come on man! The SR is entertainment that informs. It is a fun sight that gives guys like me a little distraction during my week. Walt, Jerry, Brian, and Justin smoke cigars for a hobby. This sight is a hobby. Smoking cigars should be fun, enjoyable, relaxing, and a time to hang out and catch up with buddies. When you have to worry about your hand angel and drink choice it makes it just like….WORK! i smoke cigars to get my mind off work and any other worries i have. if smoking added stress to my life i wouldn’t do it.
sorry for the typos: angel is supposed to be angle
Joe,
Man, you just take things too seriously. While I’m certain that you can char a cigar etc by drawing the 2000 degree flame into the cigar, for the most part, only 0.1 % of the people would be able to taste the charring. I mean, come on!!! A full bodied power house of a cigar will mangle your pallet and if you can taste anything other then cat ass, your just trying to impress people with what a connoisseur of cat asses you are and how you can tell when your cat ate Purina dry food or canned tuna.
Yummy, nuances of salt with just a hint of Omega-3 in that cat crap.
I like CA. However, when CA says they taste a hint of citrus or something like that, I can’t help but think what kind of citrus do these gentlemen eat? Well, neat, if you can taste hints of citrus out of the burning tobacco more power to you and your experience. Personally, I would tend to think you just ate an orange and then decided to smoke that cigar.
But until I can taste hints of citrus with nuances of licorice and Hawaiian macadamias, I’ll stick with trying to find my cat and killing it for crapping in my mouth.
Long ashes,
Dave
Walt,
Your comments to Joe just go to show what a true gentleman you are. Well played.
And by the way, Joe, it’s spelled palate. You can add that to your book of wisdom.
Tom
Walt,
I understand that you never claimed to be an expert, but when you have a site up, as you do here, and give reviews, such as you do, you are setting yourself up to be just that.
Sometimes, this form of communication can leave something to be desired, as it appears to some that I have given an overly “harsh” critique; for that I apologize. However, I don’t apologize for knowing what is correct, even when the masses suggest that “dumbing” themselves down is ok with them. If you are putting forth the effort to inform people, I would hope you are striving toward excellence, rather than mediocrity. While I don’t purport to know everything about everything (and since English isn’t my native language, I stand corrected on the spelling of palate), I do know about cigars.
Some of your followers seem to think I’m a snob and that people like me “give cigar smokers a bad name.” However, I don’t remember using profanity in my comments, nor insults. If this is the typical personality of today’s cigar smoker, I’d choose rather to be a snob, because if anyone is giving cigar smokers a bad name it would be these people.
I understand that a lot of novice cigar smokers are smoking cigars for no other reason than to be one of the crowd and be able to hang with their buddies and appear to be cool and sophisticated. I think I even went through that phase twenty years ago when I started smoking. But, I quickly realized the absurdity of that. I realized it when I first started to experience the true enjoyment of smoking a cigar, when my palate became educated enough to start to discern the subtle flavors and nuances present in a quality cigar. BTW, almost anyone can learn this; it just takes practice, and a little knowledge. Without this quest for knowledge and experience, cigar smoking will have the same value as opening and drinking a bottle of ’29 Château Lafite Rothschild and swilling it all down just to get a buzz.
I have smoked with some of the true coinsurers in the cigar industry, José and Jorge Padrón, Julio and Chris Eiroa, Litto Gomez, Ernie Carrillo, to name a few. These people have a passion when it comes to cigars. I remember Chris Eiroa telling me how he lays awake at nights thinking of ways to improve his blends, to bring out the subtle flavors that are present in his premium cigars, and also explaining the proper way to smoke a cigar, which entails pushing the smoke up toward your palate and taking in a little through your sinuses. (Are these people snobs?) From the moment I did this it opened up a whole new smoking experience. Rather than just drawing in, and blowing out, a bunch of smoke for the sake of impressing my friends, where I couldn’t care less if I couldn’t tell the difference between the subtle nuances in taste, and “my cat’s ass,” and where I might as well roll up a newspaper, torch it and blow smoke rings, I choose to learn enough about cigars and the art of smoking them, so I’m able to enjoy them to their fullest. I would hope you are on that same path, and think you will arrive their soon enough if you keep striving for excellence.
Best regards.
Jarhead I just think you’re in the wrong place. This place is for people who enjoy smoking cigars and could care less about anything. If you want to learn all you can about cigars and if that makes smoking more enjoyable to you, then thats fine. But don’t belittle those of us who don’t.
We all relate with the SR guys because they are like us! They enjoy cigars because they enjoy cigars and felt they could share their enjoyment of cigars in an entertaining way with other cigar smokers who smoke like them.
This is a blog…its opinion not facts. Its one thing to disagree with Walts review of a cigar, its another thing to insult the readership like your comment did. Just move along…
Vic,
Yes, I surely wouldn’t want to confuse you with any facts, but the fact remains it was I who was first insulted, specifically.
Interesting comments Jarhead.
Honestly though, what matters most? These faux pas you talk about or just kicking back and enjoying a cigar? To me, as long a you enjoy your cigar the way you like to smoke…everything else is secondary.
Jerry,
I guess you can say the same for a guy who goes out and buys a $2000 HD-TV and never educates himself enough to realize he needs to get a HD signal to even remotely appreciate his purchase. Of course it’s his right to do that…but you can’t help shaking your head at him for his ignorance. And please don’t tell me ignorance is bliss. Ignorance is a lack of knowledge; when it exists because someone is incapable of learning that’s one thing. When it’s self imposed as a matter of choice…there’s no excuse for it.
it.
Walt,
In all the fervor that my posts have generated, I neglected to point something out you may or may not be aware of that, after you experience it, you may want to pass on to your readers. Your review of the Chisel was, I believe, the natural wrapped version, and it is indeed a very potent smoke. However, the maduro version is somewhat more tame, and may be more suitable to some who find the natural too much too handle.
Jarhead,
Well, I do sit corrected somewhat. I’m not standing at present. You are a connoisseur so your experience will be different from most. I can taste the obvious flavors certainly and the mild or medium body and strength cigars make this easier to disern. The full body and strenght cigars are such power houses they slam my mouth with sucn intensity I can hardly taste anything.
I recognize that over time and experience, that these types of cigars can be experienced at a higher level as well but for me at this time, I’m just not there yet. Certainly it is for the reviewers at CA and of course for you as well.
But I hope you’ll be a regular contributer as I appreciate others opinions on cigars and insights to the flavors even if I can’t taste them.
Long ashes,
Dave
Joe,
Once again, I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment.
The Chisel I smoked was in fact a Natural (The only version available at my particular shop). I have yet to smoke the Maduro but I will keep the strength difference in mind if or when I am able to pick one up locally.
I will agree with you that I have alot to learn about the cigar industry and cigars themselves. The wealth of knowledge on the subject is staggering as I am sure you are aware.
For me, cigars are about enjoying myself while learning a little something new each day. In my 2-1/2 years (or so) smoking cigars I have educated myself on many, many aspects of cigars and the industry.
This website is my little place to learn by experience and from others. I share what I know with those interested in learning with me. The whole purpose here is to give my honest opinion of a particular cigar and learn from it.
Once again, thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.
-Walt
Walt,
You obviously have the passion I speak of, even though you might lack some experience, which is always easy to obtain; it just takes time. I applaud your efforts. While the abundance of knowledge out there can seem a little daunting, I assure you your level of enjoyment will only increase in proportion to your level of experience and knowledge. Keep striving foe excellence, and ALWAYS slay the demon of ignorance and mediocrity when it rears it’s ugly head.
Regards,
Joe
Dave,
A few of you have made reference to “CA.” I’m not sure what this is, but on the off chance you are referring to the periodical, Cigar Aficionado, I’m at a loss, as I never read that very much, and certainly not since the days when they changed the cover from having the word CIGAR larger than the word Aficionado, to the opposite. It was at that point that I think I started noticing that positive reviews of cigars were proportionate to the amount of advertising of the particular brand being reviewed. I understand you may not be at the level of experience to fully appreciating some of the subtleties of certain quality cigars, but as long as you know there is more to experience, and you strive to seek that out, as the people who are hosting this site seem to be doing, you can’t go wrong.
Regards,
Joe
Walt,
Here is the expalnation of a “Tongue Tasting.” I had the pleasure of doing one with the reps from Davidoff as well, though not on this occasion.
The Stogie GuysStogie Exclusive: Davidoff Tasting with Mike Copperman
Monday, July 31st, 2006
For those of you who haven’t yet been lucky enough to meet him, Mike Copperman is a cigar god amongst men. This pleasant and approachable tobacconist at Bethesda Tobacco has more passion and knowledge about stogies in his little finger than I have in my entire body. On Saturday morning, he was generous enough to invite Patrick and me to his store for a private Davidoff tasting.
As expected, we got some wonderful cigars and tons of invaluable knowledge out of the experience…But we also got so much more.
After four cups of coffee, one bagel, and a sixty minute commute, Patrick and I rolled into Bethesda Tobacco at 10:30 AM on Saturday. The building is a tiny, two-story dwelling that is as unassuming as it is charismatic. The front patio is dotted with deck furniture sitting in the shade of tropical banana trees. A lone neon sign glowing through the main window simply reads, “Cigars”.
Mike welcomed us with a smile and led us to a lounge on the second floor. This small stogie haven – complete with leather chairs, a television, a huge humidor, and jaded windows fogged by decades of smoke – would be our refuge for the next two hours.
The session consisted of us tasting three different Davidoff cigars, each one comprised entirely of one tobacco blend – Olor, San Vicente, and Piloto Cubano. After each sampling, Patrick and I gave the cigar a rating based on sweetness, saltiness, acidity, and bitterness. With a lot of help from Mike, and a trusty palate diagram of the human tongue, we correctly identified the Olor blend as mostly salty (removes saliva from the mouth), the San Vicente blend as mostly acidic (adds saliva to the mouth), and the Piloto Cubano blend as bitter and sweet.
It’s amazing how refined your palate can be if you (1) pay attention to the geography of your tongue, (2) smoke through the nose (no, it’s not inhaling, Stogie Tip forthcoming), and (3) have a human cigar encyclopedia at your disposal.
Next, Mike presented us with the fourth cigar – the highly acclaimed Davidoff Gran Cru No. 3. This robust smoke is a special blend of the three aforementioned stogies we had just sampled. The five inch by 43 ring gauge smoke is a noble cigar: smooth and well-refined with a wonderful flavor curve that balances evenly amongst the palate.
While we smoked, Mike was nice enough to share some fantastic tips with us. For example, did you know that in order to get maximum flavor out of each cigar you should only take about two puffs per minute?
You see, tobacco leaves are harvested to create starch so the leaf can produce sugar. When you smoke a cigar, the sugar is caramelized. Much like a master chef cooks a soufflé, you must “cook” the cigar at the right temperature. Taking about two puffs a minute will keep the foot at 494° F, the optimum temperature for experiencing maximum flavors.
But the best tip Mike shared with us is much less technical. He explained that the greatest sense one needs in order to enjoy cigars is not on the tongue or in the nose…It’s between the ears. In other words, the more you know about tobacco and cigar composition, the better tools you have with which to appreciate each smoke.
Overall, the whole tasting was a tremendous experience. I will remember the morning of Saturday, July 29 for many years to come.
I highly recommend Stogie Guys in the DC area make the trip to Bethesda when they can (a Thursday, August 3 Ashton BBQ would be a great introductory event). Take some time to peruse their selection, mingle with friendly regulars (who always come out in good numbers), and – of course – meet Mike Copperman.
Also, for those DC Stogie Guys who are interested in setting up a private tasting of your own with Mike, visit Bethesda Tobacco online and contact Mike.
-Patrick A
Walt,
Sorry, this message was posted in the wrong place.
I don’t call it ignorance. To each his own is what I like to say. If you enjoy the way you smoke, then don’t let anyone tell you differently. Cigars, like beauty are in the eye of the beholder.
Joe – next time, you should just link to the article over at our friend The Stogie Guys. It helps them out with search engines. The tasting thing they did at Bethesda Tobacco was awesome!
Jerry,
If someone wants to remain uninformed…so be it. To paraphrase Evelyn Beatrice Hall… I may disagree with however you chose to think, but I’ll defend your right to think it.
Thanks for the suggestion about the link. I will do that in the future, should the need arise.
Regards,
Joe
even the pipsqueak chisel makes me queasy. this one is packed with a bit too much flavor. i don’t find it very balanced. but thats just me being a critic.
i really didn’t like this cigar. i think litto went a little haywire with this creation. i would like to see him smoke this on a daily. i bet he doesn’t.
Definitely one of my favorites of all time!
I had the La Flor Dominicana Reserva Especial last weekend and the flavors seemed very similar. The Coronado by La Flor also made me sick, but it was an excellent smoke.
I’m starting to really love La Flor’s cigars, they can mess you up pretty badly, but DAMN are they good! Just so much flavor and great flavor at that. Prices really aren’t that high either for the quality they provide.
Oh and I picked up the La Flor Dominicana Ligero L-400 Natural the other night too, so I’ll have to see how that goes.
Great Smoke…But instead of using a cutter or punch gently squeeze the tip to open…light up and enjoy!!!!
I love the power it brings…
Great review Walt. But I would really love to see a review of the LG Diez Chisel Puro. Hands down one of my favorite cigars on the market.
Nice review, I just picked one of these up the other day and I was wondering if it would be a strong cigar. I guess being a dub ligero it would be a full bodied stick.
Just getting to this review…. I can see both sides. If you’re doing a reivew, make sure you have the fundementals of cigar smoking covered but not to the point of being rigid. Personal reviews should be just that, ‘personal’, understanding that one’s mileage may vary.
What I don’t agree with, and I see this quite frequently, is claiming that one can pull a dozen or so flavors out of a tabacco leaf. Utterly ridiculous IMHO. I think the record being 18 differenct profiles complete with organge sherbet and grapefruit and some other spices that I’ve never heard of in my 48 years on the planet. Such reviews are comical.
Again, IMO, all cigars have an overall essence/profile and a few barely noticible different ‘basic’ flavors that may or may not be noticible.
Anything additional to that is, what I’ve previously stated in other reviews, is self aggrandizing.
Funny to read and view this review of the LFD Double Ligero Chisel. This was my first cigar ever, some 2-3 years ago. Perhaps my pallet is just messed up because I really enjoyed it. Too bad these are not sold in shops in the Netherlands regularly. I have recently spotted the Maduro version and will pick up a box. Interesting to see if I get a lot more out of it then I did the first time. Nice review Walt!
I’m smoking the churchill version of this as I type and just want to say this review is spot on. Great job profiling this cigar. It is a powerhouse. I love strong cigars and this does not disappoint. I smoke just about every day and an still being affected by the nicotine in this cigar. I’m enjoying mine with a Sam Adams Boston Lager, which had been a good compliment to the xx ligero’s flavor profile. Great smoke! Great review!
Forgot to add… I used a guiotine cutter to clip the very end of the cap and the draw is perfect. I don’t like an overly firm draw or a loose draw for that matter. So again, perfect draw on mine. I would highly recommend this cigar. I think this is going to become a favorite very quickly.