Cigar Review: La Flor Dominicana 1994 Conga
Twenty years in any industry is a major milestone and the cigar industry is no exception. It proves not only the longevity of the product and that connoisseurs are appreciating the craftsmanship of the cigars, but also that the company has become a cornerstone of the industry. All of these things and more can be said about Litto and Ines Gomez and their company La Flor Dominicana. La Flor Dominicana, a company known for its diversity, quality and flavorful cigars, has produced some of the most highly regarded cigars in recent memory. From the Oro to the Suave series, La Flor Dominicana has a cigar for every type of cigar aficionado. To celebrate their 20 year accomplishment and commitment to crafting some of the best cigars in any humidor, Litto and Ines Gomez have released the La Flor Domincana 1994. The 1994 is not only a cigar celebrating the company’s rich history, but also a smoke that pays homage to the present diversity of its lines; as well as providing a sneak peek into things to come in what will surely be a luminous future.
Pre-Light: The 1994’s tribute to the past is noticeable immediately with the cigar’s band, which is a redesigned version of the company’s original floral logo set in a back drop of colors similar to the company’s present band design. The wrapper of the cigar, which is Mexican San Andres, has a velvety texture that is neither absurdly oily nor toothy and is seamless in its application to the Dominican binder and filler tobaccos. The cold draw of the cigar is excellent and is highlighted with notes of wood and a mild spice.
1/3: The 1994 begins with a resoundingly smooth timeless tobacco flavor with just a slight hint of pepper before transitioning to an excellent profile of earth with a dash of spice and a lingering aftertaste of fresh ground black coffee beans. The retrohale reveals a delicate woodsy note, vaguely reminding me of fresh hickory. The portfolio of 1994’s first third is very familiar, almost reminiscent of LFD’s Air Bender line with a hint of the medium bodied notes of their Cabinet Ligero line. The burn of the 1994 is ideal and razor sharp as the solid ash moves into the cigar’s next third.
2/3: The journey into the 1994 continues with a natural progression of its body and profile that is subtle and enjoyable. Flavors of earth and spice, with a slight hint of hickory, rush to the forefront of the cigar’s repertoire in an ecstatic rush of excellence leaving me in a state of amazement with regards to the impeccable prowess and craftsmanship of the 1994. Simply put, the second third possesses an amazing level of complexity and balance that reminds me of the La Flor Dominicana’s Cabinet Ligero line, a personal favorite.
3/3: LFD’s 1994 ends its excellent progression of flavor and body with notes similar to, what is now easily considered a company classic, the Double Ligero line. Medium bodied and then some, 1994 comes to a crescendo of strength with notes of black pepper and earth with a bitter sweet finish. Overall, 1994 is the perfect tribute cigar to the company’s past, present and future. While the cigar was medium bodied for most of the session, it is packed with plethora of flavors and balance that is paradoxically new yet familiar. With elements of three of LFD’s popular lines present in the cigar, the 1994 is a delight to smoke and definite must try for fans of La Flor Dominicana’s rich unmistakable cigars. Look for LFD’s 1994 online at emersonscigars.com and at your favorite Hampton Roads Emerson’s Cigars location.
