DBL Derrame II Cigar Review – Passion, Love, and Experience

Back in November of 2015 I had the pleasure of reviewing the Dominican Big Leaguer (DBL) Derrame cigar. It was one of many DBL cigars  I have enjoyed since then. Being a limited edition cigar, Francisco Almonte and DBL  went  back to the blending board and created the DBL Derrame II which was announced at the 2016  IPCPR. Like the original Derrame, the Derrame II is a limited production cigar with only 200 boxes of 49 being produced.

Keeping with the Derrame theme, the box, or should I say humidor, is as beautiful as the cigar. It includes a humidifier and a built-in hygrometer. There are 40 soft box pressed Derrame II cigars in the top and 9 coronas in the bottom pullout tray. It  includes a brass plated lock with skeleton key, a lighter, and a cutter.

The Derrame II is available in just one vitola, a 6 1/4 x 56 Toro Gordo which has an MSRP of  $9.20.

For the blend, Francisco chose to mix it up a bit this time and decided to go with a Peruvian binder to add a unique dimension to the profile. The full blend is described as:

• Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra Oscuro (sungrown)
• Binder: Peruvian
• Filler: Dominican Republic

Examining the DBL Derrame II, you quickly notice the heavily marbled dark brown wrapper that has a bit of grit to the touch, certainly a more rugged looking cigar than the original Derrame. It is adorned with an eye-popping band that just draws you  to it on the shelf,  along with a with a red satin footer band to finish it off.

Having enjoyed the original Derrame, let’s see how the DBL Derrame II performs. I can tell you this much, Francisco set a high bar for future Derrame releases.

Cigar Review Notes

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• Marbled dark brown and gritty wrapper
• Raisin and spice on the foot and barrel
• Cold draw had a pleasant restriction and offered notes of red pepper, spice, earth, and sweetness
• Medium body of smoke to start
• Dry cocoa powder enters first with a back note of fruit
• The ash is light and a touch flaky resting on a medium char line
• Smoke volume picks up after an inch and half
• Sweetness builds into the second third both in flavor and aroma
• As the two-inch ash falls, a flat and well centered burn cone is revealed
• Coffee notes enter and blend well with the sweetness and fruit
• Smoke smooths out well entering second half
• Gentle cinnamon spice and cedar is noticeable near the middle of the second third
• Dry currant is hiding in background
• Strength creeps up through the burn
• Cocoa powder slides back in with a long finish wrapped in spice
• Medium to full in strength
• Total Smoking Time was around 90 minutes

Overall, the DBL Derrame II was a smooth and flavorful cigar that had a trouble-free burn. The complexity of flavors included cinnamon, currant,  and cedar all delivered in a sweet tobacco background. It is always hard to compare various cigars as each has their own profile and personality but I would say I like the Derrame II over the original. It had a deeper complexity that kept the palate enticed throughout the journey. Keep blending Francisco and I will  keep smoking!!

DBL Derrame II

I would like to note that DBL Cigars is a premier sponsor of Stogie Press but in no way has this affected the review.