This box-pressed figurado from La Flor Dominicana brings back their 1997 blend that put the brand on the map. At 4½" with a 54 ring gauge, it comes packed in lavish 24-count boxes ($185.76/box). The Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper hides Dominican filler tobaccos from their La Canela farm - expect anything but your typical Connecticut experience. I found it starts punching above its weight class immediately.
The initial pepper kick surprises through the Connecticut leaf - black pepper granules mixed with toasted cedar. Smoke production stays moderate despite the firm roll. Watch the burn line on this figurado shape; mine needed one correction.
Cocoa powder emerges at the halfway point, blending with cashew butter sweetness. The signature LFD mineral note surfaces - think wet limestone from their Cibao Valley farm. Retrohale reveals coffee bean bitterness that complements rather than overwhelms.
Leather tones dominate the last inch with increased nicotine presence. While not overwhelming, the strength creeps up to full-bodied territory. Ash held firm till removal, though tar buildup required a clip at the 45-minute mark.
The oscuro wrapper glistens with toothy texture - a visual marker of La Canela's rich soil. Triple cap applied flawlessly. Draw tension walked the line between firm and restrictive. Burn time averaged 50 minutes despite the short length, testament to densely packed filler.
