The Don Diego Classic Lonsdale stands out as a slender 6 5/8" x 44 parejo that's become a go-to for mild cigar enthusiasts. Priced at $128.19 per box of 25, this Dominican puro combines a creamy Connecticut Shade wrapper with aged tobaccos from the Cibao Valley. I recently smoked one that'd been resting in my humidor for six weeks - the smooth Ecuadorian wrapper showed minimal veins and just the right amount of spring when squeezed.
The initial draws delivered cool, airy smoke with dominant cream and cashew notes. Burn line stayed razor-sharp without corrections, producing medium-gray ash that held for about an inch. The subtle sweet hay undertone made it pair beautifully with my morning coffee.
At the 30-minute mark, cedar emerged alongside faint floral hints. Combustion remained consistent despite relative humidity of 65%. The slight pepper tingle in retrohale added dimension without overpowering, though nicotine-sensitive smokers might want to pace themselves.
Approaching the nub, earthy undertones balanced the persistent creaminess. I noticed minimal tar buildup - a pleasant surprise given the 44 ring gauge. The last inch developed a subtle almond sweetness that lingered pleasantly, though some might find the final third slightly repetitive.
Out of five samples smoked, four maintained perfect combustion with no relights required. The triple cap cut cleanly every time using a double-blade guillotine. Draw resistance proved medium-firm - ideal for slow-smoking newcomers but possibly frustrating for those preferring effortless pulls.
