Let's cut to the chase - the LFD Salomon Unico demands attention with its massive 64 ring gauge and 7-inch figurado shape. This limited edition beauty comes in boxes of 10, priced at $337.50, making each unique piece about $34. The cigar world hasn't seen this level of craftsmanship since the opus-shaped cigars of the early 2000s.
The initial puffs deliver black pepper spice that makes your tongue tingle, backed by baking spices I'd describe as clove-meets-allspice. There's noticeable cedar wood character - not the fresh pencil shavings type but aged mahogany furniture.
Smoke output thickens to a creamy consistency here. Dark chocolate notes emerge, but don't expect sweetness - it's more like 85% cocoa mixed with espresso grounds. The retrohale reveals what I call "LFD minerality" - that signature flinty note from their La Canela farm soil.
Leather and damp earth take over, with a lingering brown sugar sweetness. Warning: nicotine buildup becomes significant at this stage. I clocked 2 hours 15 minutes smoke time, but most will want to stop around the 90-minute mark.
The triple cap holds up beautifully despite the complex figurado shape. I noticed minimal tar buildup at the head - a common issue with pointed tips. The Ecuadorian Habano wrapper maintains its oily sheen even at 65% humidity. Pro tip: dry box for 12 hours before lighting to optimize combustion.
At $34/stick, this isn't casual smoking material. But considering the 200+ man-hours required to train skilled torcedores for this vitola, plus the single-bale wrapper selection process, it's priced for collectors and special occasions. The real magic happens after 3-5 years aging when the mineral sharpness mellows into honeyed nuances.
