The Solis by La Flor Dominicana

BRAND / CO:  La Flor Dominicana
CIGAR:  Solis
VITOLA:  Toro - 6.5" x 50
STRENGTH:  Full
WRAPPER:  Ecuadorian Habano Sun Grown, Natural
BINDER:  Ecuador (Sumatra)
FILLER:  Dominican Republic (La Canela)
ORIGIN:  Dominican Republic, Tabacalera La Flor S.A.

APPEARANCE & CONSTRUCTION:   Good
The Solis has a warm medium brown wrapper that exudes the worn leather look.  There's a nice sheen, color variation and mottling.  There's a number of thin veins and small lumps from the binder layer but it's a fairly smooth roll with good firmness.  The seams are visible but tight all around with a clean and even cap.  The style and colors of the band don't jump at me, but they do provide a nice counterbalance to the theme of La Nox.

DRAW & BURN:   Average / Good
The draw has some extra resistance but is acceptable and not too tight.  The burn starts nicely and settles in with a dead even burn line fairly quickly.  The ash is a light gray with dark and even striations, but it’s a little flaky.  It held well, getting to the midpoint of the smoke before I dumped it.

FLAVOR PROFILE:   Excellent
Lots of nuttiness to start, some earth and woodiness with a strong honey sweetness and a rich, creamy finish.  There's baking spice, mild cocoa, some grassiness, and toasty breadiness with hints of really refined leather.  I'm really surprised how thick and creamy this one is and it's off to a fantastic start.

Getting into the second third, no major changes.  This cigar seems to have found it's sweet spot early and is just cruising.  Smooth, creamy, rich, no harshness or bitterness, I'm digging this.  It's hitting the right mix of cedar, cashew, earth, leather, cocoa and honey.  It's not an overly strongly flavored cigar at this point.  I'm not getting the full strength that was advertised, it feels more medium but appears to be increasing. At the midway point, pepper starts to appear, just enough to bring in a nice tingle in the tongue.  There's a very thick and chewy mouth feel that's interesting, separate from the creaminess.

The earthiness takes the lead into the final third but the supporting flavors don't fall back much.  With the woodiness, leather and baking spice, it tastes like fall.  Dry leaves, spiced drinks, gingerbread cookies are all vibing. This is a really enjoyable blend that was balanced and strong the entirety of the smoke. I really appreciate a blend that just ramps up throughout the smoke and this is hitting that strength at the end.

OVERALL EXPERIENCE:   Excellent
With a name like Solis, I came in expecting something lighter, appropriate for a sunny, summer day smoke.  But this now strikes me as a celebration of sungrown tobacco and embracing those flavors which is a profile more earthy, hearty and rich.  A solid blend and  very enjoyable smoke.

Purchase Singles or by the Box HERE

Reviewed by Sean McCloskey of The Collective