Today I take a look at a new release from D. Ellan Cigars. The Trai Dora Madura, released in 2025, is a line extension to the company’s famed Trai Dora line.
The blend is described by the company as:
- Wrapper: Dominican Broadleaf (Broadleaf seed harvested in the Dominican Republic)
- Binder: Habano 2000
- Filler: Corojo, HVA, Criollo 98
The blend is expressed in 4 different vitolas:
- Gordo (6 x 60)
- Salomon (7 x 54)
- Toro (6 x 54)
- Robusto (5 x 50)
Each vitola comes packaged in 20-count boxes and they all have the same MRP of The company has priced each vitola the same, $175.00/box or $8.75/cigar. They are hand crafted at Juan Rodriguez Premium Cigars S.R.L in the Dominican Republic.
For this review, I sampled 2 of the D. Ellan Cigars Trai Dora Madura Salomons, which I received from the company for the purpose of reviewing on Stogie Press.
Pre-Light Examination
The D. Ellan Trai Dora Salomon is a well constructed and presented cigar with its dark brown wrapper that exhibits a decent oily sheen. The broadleaf wrapper is slightly veiny and toothy throughout. There are some bumps along the barrel but no soft spots were detected.
Three bands adorn the cigar. The primary and secondary bands use a purple and gold motif. The primary band declares this as the D. Ellan Trai Dora and the secondary band identifies it as the Madura blend. Finally an large outer sleeve displaying purple tobacco leaf and a golden D. Ellan script initials.
Running the cigar along the nose, I did not pick up any real pre-light aromas along the barrel or the foot.
I sliced the cap straight across the shoulder of the cigar and gave some cold draw puffs. With the salomon foot tip, I could not ascertain the restriction. I will get to that once I fire it up for the journey. Pre-light cold draw flavors treated the palate with notes of light pepper and buttery notes with a slight tanginess.
I used my single flame torch to ignite the tip of the foot as I drew in the first lit puffs beginning the journey. Right off that initial set of puffs I picked up floral and butter notes to get things going. Follow along a burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Butter and floral notes start the journey
- Smooth, nicely restricted draw deliver a mouthful of creamy textured smoke
- A medium grey ash forms on top of a decent char line
- Pleasant honey like sweetness is coming off the wrapper on the lips and tongue
- The early profile is rounded out with espresso notes
- One of my favorite notes (popcorn) slides into the mix sparking a deep interest
- The ash has gotten a bit flaky and an off burn developed
- Moving into the second third, hints of cedar and mild spice notes tantalize the palate
- The ash fell in good chunk revealing a well formed burn cone
- Citrus peel notes and growing spice evolve – moving through the second third
- The aroma presents as a sweet fruity essence
- An added white pepper note appear deep in the second third
- Moving into the final third the profile is fairly consistent but the finish does get a tad sharp
- Medium in Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 40 minutes
Final Analysis
Butter and delicate floral notes greet the palate on the first puffs of the D. Ellan Cigars Trai Dora Salomon, setting a soft and inviting opening. The draw is smooth with a nicely restricted resistance, delivering a mouthful of creamy, textured smoke that coats the palate beautifully. Pleasant honey-like sweetness comes directly off the wrapper, lingering on the lips and tongue.
Early on, rich espresso notes round out the profile, adding depth and balance to the opening third. One of my favorite nuances—fresh popcorn—slides gently into the mix, immediately sparking deeper interest in the blend. As the cigar settles, the ash becomes slightly flaky and a mild off-burn develops, though it remains well within control.
Moving into the second third, hints of cedar and mild spice begin to tantalize the palate. The ash eventually falls in a solid chunk, revealing a well-formed and centered burn cone. Citrus peel notes emerge alongside a growing spice, adding brightness and energy through the middle portion of the cigar. The aroma shifts into a sweet, fruity essence that drifts pleasantly off the foot.
Deep in the second third, a touch of white pepper enters the profile, sharpening the blend just enough to keep things lively. Transitioning into the final third, the cigar maintains a fairly consistent core of flavors, though the finish develops a slightly sharp edge as it reaches its conclusion. I would say grab a fiver of these.
Point Deductions: (-1) Flaky Ash; (-1) Off burn but not touch up required; (-1) Sharp Finish in the Final
