In 2023, DBL Cigars celebrated their 10th anniversary in the cigar business with the grand opening of their new and expansive cigar factory in the Dominican Republic. As part of the celebration and expansion, DBL Cigars owner, Fransisco Almonte, made another bold move and launched a Nicaraguan Puro known as the DBL Nicaragua. The main concept on this premium PURO is to demonstrate the union between two of the best cigar manufacturing countries and tobacco in the world, using Nicaraguan tobacco and produced by a Dominican-based factory (Tabacalera DBL).
The new line launched in two sizes, each packaged in 20-count boxes:
- Robusto Gordo Box Pressed (5 1/2 x 54) (Boxes of 20) – MSRP $9.50
- Toro (6 x 52) (Box of 20) – MSRP $10.50
The blend is described by the company as:
- Wrapper: Nicaragua (Habano)
- Binder: Nicaragua (Criollo 98)
- Filler: Nicaragua (Estel, Jalapa, Ometepe)
For this review I will focus on the DBL Nicaragua Toro. I sampled 3 of these which I received from the company for the purpose of reviewing on Stogie Press.
Pre-Light Examination
The DBL Nicaragua is beautifully constructed liga with a medium to dark brown, silky smooth, and oily wrapper. It is essentially veinless and is excellently bunched and rolled, with no soft spots and just the right give when pressed gently between the fingers. The cigar is expertly finished with almost a quad cap.
The cigar is adorned with primary band that declares it as the DBL Nicaragua and includes an image of the Ometepe volcano and tobacco fields along with the flags of both Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. There is also a large vellum sleeve that covers a good portion of the cigar and is printed with DBL and F.A. (Francisco Almonte). Finally, a blue and gold footer band is applied that states “Domi-Nica The best of the world”. I have to say the adornment is very attractive and would pop on a humidor shelf.
Running cigar along the nose did not pick up much aroma along the barrel, but the foot offered notes of cinnamon spice and floral fruit.
Using my CigarMedics Baller cutter, I opened the expertly applied cap perfectly and proceeded to give it some cold draw puffs. I found the restriction to be right to my liking while the palate was graced with notes of tangy fruit and a touch of peppery spice.
I used my single flame Derui Lighter to warm the foot to an even orange glow and drew in the first puffs of enticing berry notes to start the journey. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Berry notes start the journey
- Toasted bread aroma wafts off the foot
- Solid light grey ash forms on top of a thin char line
- Mild cinnamon spice and dry berry notes evolve
- A hint of cocoa enters adding a pleasant dimension to the profile
- Ash fell in a decent chunk revealing a well-formed and burn cone
- Very smooth draw and oodles of palate filling smoke
- The berry and spice continue into the second third
- Touch of earthiness enters midway through
- Jagged burn develops
- Deep in the second third there is a caramel sweetness developing
- An almond essence coats the palate and lingers nicely
- Tantalizing and mouth-watering citrus peel notes near the end of the second third
- Increased spice notes down to the final
- Medium in Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 45 minutes
Final Analysis
The journey of the DBL Nicaragua Toro begins with the enticing fragrance of toasted bread emanating from the foot of the cigar. As the experience unfolds, delicate notes of mild cinnamon spice and dry berries gradually emerge, creating a nuanced and evolving profile. The addition of a subtle hint of cocoa introduces a delightful dimension, enhancing the overall experience. The draw is remarkably smooth, producing copious amounts of smoke that saturate the palate.
Into the second third, the berry and spice notes persist, accompanied by a touch of earthiness that makes its entrance midway through. Deep into the second third, a luscious caramel sweetness develops, and an almond essence delicately coats the palate, leaving a lingering and satisfying aftertaste.
As the cigar approaches its conclusion, the experience intensifies with tantalizing and mouth-watering citrus peel notes, adding a refreshing element to the overall composition. The spice notes, now heightened, persist down to the final moments, providing a robust and flavorful finale to this captivating medium strength smoking experience. This is great introduction of a Nicaraguan Puro by a Dominican Factory. Certainly, a box buy. I rate this a 95.
Point Deductions: (-1) Jagged Burn Midway
Bonus Points: (+1) Pleasurable and Consistent across Multiple Samples; (+1) Box Buy
