The Oro Maduro No 6 by La Flor Dominicana

BRAND / CO:  La Flor Dominicana
CIGAR:  Oro Maduro [No. 6]
VITOLA:  Toro - 6" x 54
STRENGTH:  Full
WRAPPER:  Nicaraguan Habano Sun Grown, Maduro
BINDER:  Dominican Republic (La Canela)
FILLER:  Dominican Republic (La Canela)
ORIGIN:  Dominican Republic, Tabacalera La Flor S.A.

APPEARANCE & CONSTRUCTION:   Average
LFD really has a knack for super dark and oily maduros.  Another dark chocolate dripper that just shines from oily gloss and good mottling but no noticeable tooth.  This is a thicker leaf with thick veins and bulges from the binder layer.  The seams are visible with thick edges and the triple cap has creases and folds. It's a bit rustic looking but feels like a tank with good fimness and density.

DRAW & BURN:  Average / Great
The draw is very tight to start, I was ready to grab the draw tool but a little heat and finger rolling opened it to to an acceptable level.  The burn starts nicely with a char line that  goes between razor sharp and wavy, but holds even and well controlled.  The ash is a light gray that browns as it cools, with tight banding and a little feathering.  It holds well, nearly to the midpoint before I ash 

FLAVOR PROFILE:   Excellent
Earth, barnyard, cocoa, baking spice and dark fruit sweetness are immediate.   The sweetness that comes from the fermenting of a really good maduro leaf, this brings in bunches of it.  It's very raisiny, maybe a hint of black cherry.  There's a charred oakiness to the wood base, and it's a damp earth with a nice mix of musty barnyard.  The chocolate just richens the earth, with some cinnamon and mild pepper.  There's a mild hickory vibe from light baking spice and pepper, but it's dark, smooth and rich with a super creamy finish.

By the second half I'm getting more coffee and black licorice flavors, bringing in a good quality bittery note and a light floral at times.  It's providing a great contrast against the buttery rich creaminess.  The spice level hops between mild and medium, just enough for a little tingle and extra flavor.   There's really great complexity with this blend and lots of robust flavors.  This is a stick that's sweet and meaty, it has a thick savoriness to it that's really enjoyable.  It does dull in the final inch, getting mellow, but still a fantastic blend overall. This is a sneaky cigar too, while it's more medium to medium-full in the flavor strength, the will catch up to you by the end.  

OVERALL EXPERIENCE:   Excellent
This is a benchmark cigar IMO for dark, rich maduro flavors with the traditional sweet and rich bitter notes.  It's right up there with the Ashton Aged Maduro and RyJ 1875 Reserve Maduro.  It's a tough call between this and La Nox if I had to choose one, as they're both fantastic, but I think I'd give La Nox the slight edge.

Purchase Singles or By the Box HERE

Reviewed by Sean McCloskey of The Collective