Dominion Black Lotus

Overall Score

1 review for Dominion Black Lotus

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    C**** I********

    Dominion Black Lotus

    Origin : NicaraguaDominion Cigar
    Format : Toro & Gordo
    Size : 6 x 50 & 6 x 60
    Wrapper : Honduran Colorado Habano
    Filler : Nicaraguan and Honduran
    Binder : Honduran Sumatra
    Hand-Made
    Price : N/A

    I recently had the fortune of being sent a couple of sample cigars by the new Canadian cigar brand Dominion Cigar. Dominion is based in New Westminster, British Columbia, which makes them an incredibly unique company in the cigar world. Here’s what Steve, their owner, has to say about the challenges of starting up a cigar brand in Canada:

    “There are a number of cigar distributors that distribute other cigar brands in Canada, Cuban mostly; Dominion Cigar is the only company tackling launching its own developed brand Canada wide. It’s been one major battle every step of the way, jumping through red tape hoops the Canadian Federal and Provincial Governments put in our way. I truly understand why there isn’t any other Canadian companies at this point, well and of course the absolute crazy tax structure the government has in place on tobacco products.”

    My hat is off to you, sir! It seems like cigar companies always have interesting stories behind them, and Dominion is no exception. Dominion seems like it’s off to a great start with the Dominion Black Lotus. The Black Lotus is blended out of Honduran and Nicaraguan tobacco, and manufactured in Danli, Honduras. Ralph Montero of Alec Bradley had a hand in putting together this blend.

    I was sent a couple of different sizes, the Toro and the Gordo, as well as a very nice complimentary ashtray. For this review I smoked the Toro since I’m more comfortable with this format than the 60-ring gauge Gordo.

    Steve generously provided a beautiful Dominion ashtray along with two cigars to give away to one of our readers. Just leave a comment on this post to enter the competition. That’s it! We’ll announce the winner in one week.

    Dominion Black Lotus Ashtray

    Contest open internationally, you must be of legal age to smoke cigars in order to enter. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter so you don’t miss the winner announcement and other contests (there are more giveaways coming up in the next weeks!).

    Appearance : [rating:5/5]
    The wrapper is a mottled medium brown with a bit of tooth and an oily sheen. There’s a nice double cap, and only a few fine veins. It feels quite firm, almost too firm, which has me a little bit anxious about the draw. The brand is a beautiful, eye-catching gold and blue design with the Black Lotus icon. The pre-light aroma is musty and earthy with a hint of sweet hay.

    Construction : [rating:4.5/5]
    What a pleasant surprise. The first draw is just fine, and none of the other draws feel tight either. Construction is beautiful all around with a razor sharp burn and very little need for touch-ups. The ash builds up and hangs on. There are literally no flaws except that I needed to relight the cigar in the end of the second third.

    Flavor : [rating:4.25/5] (4.25)
    The flavors are creamy, spicy, and peppery, all nicely balanced. At times the pepper is intense, but never overkill. During the middle third, the flavors transition with the spice dropping down substantially. I keep expecting those earthy notes I smelled on pre-light to come through, but they don’t, though the sweet hay is there, woven in with the rest in a very well-melded way. The flavors become salty and there is a hint of anise—but also something sour, and not in a good way like tasty citrus—just sour and unpleasant. Thankfully this is a brief phase before the cigar morphs back into more pleasant territory. The earthiness finally comes through in the last third, and the nuts take front and center stage. The spiciness is still there, but it’s way in the background now.

    Overall Rating : [rating:4.5/5]
    I can’t say anything yet about the value of this cigar, since I don’t know what it will be retailing at. You can purchase it at select retailers in Canada right now (it was released in October 2014), but you still can’t buy it anywhere else. It is expected to hit stores in Germany early next year, and release later in 2015 in the United States. I will be interested to see what it sells for; it’s certainly a delightful stogie and I look forward to my chance to smoke another. Aside from that brief sour interlude in the middle third (which may have been a fluke), this is a pretty good cigar. Complex flavors, beautiful construction, and a promising foray into the cigar world by a new Canadian brand. Definitely try one of these if you get a chance!

    Helpful?
    0 0
    • D********

      I’ll be waiting here in Brazil for the prize! Great review, thanks!

    • C**** O

      Calvin at the Tobacco Outlet in Calgary sold me on this Cigar, I have found a new favourite.

    • J*****

      I’m not usually one for a spicy smoke, I don’t know what it is, but they sit very heavily on my palate. This sounds like an interesting smoke though, except for the sour notes in the middle.

    • V***** E* W***** J*

      I haven’t tried these before, from the information they look like something I need search out for.

    • l***

      Thank you so much for the review and giveaway. I’m really interested in these. I’ve been doing cigar fetish photos and have been searching high and low for a good cigar to use. These sound great and look really fat.

      Do you happen to have a suggestion for a mild, big and fat cigar? Thank you, Lori

    • D***

      New to cigars but i know good advice when i read it. Just keep reading you’re articles and adding to my wish list!

    • j****

      as a canadian great to see a new company–this stick seems to be great–I already was at my b&m about it–they are checking in to it—thanks again

    • J*** K****

      Thanks for the chance, good review.

    • a*******

      Sounds like a great smoke. Thanks for the opportunity!

    • M****

      Being a canadian I understand the struggles he must be going through with the government, especially with anything tobacco related. Kudos to him for his perseverance and I wish him luck. I will definitely give them a try to help support his business!

    • M******

      Love to give this one a try. Sounds great.

    • M***

      I’ve heard that Dominion is producing some top notch cigars – would be eager to try.

    • j** c****

      sounds like an AWESOME cigar right up my alley! thanks for the review and contest!

    • c******

      Great review and thanks for the giveaway!

    • J** R*

      Nice review, thanks. With a rating like that, it seems like it’s worth a shot to me.

    • T*******

      These are great cigars. A buddy and I met Steve at The Rocky Mountain Smokeout near Banff AB in October and had the chance to buy one of the first boxes of Gordo’s. Enjoyed one this afternoon and can’t say enough about the brand and it’s founder. Canada had many cigar producers years ago in a Southern Ontario but they all disappeared long ago. CheapSmokes Canada in Alberta sells them. Worth the effort!

    • L*****

      The sour may come from the filler leaves not dried properly.I enjoy my pepper and cashew nut taste myself.I’ll give it a go when it hits Ca.Thanks Inspector for the new stoogies…

    • J*

      This sounds like a flavor profile right up my alley. I have not been to Canada but would like to give this one a try.

    • w*******

      damn my respects to this man for starting from nothing with this stick. good luck my friend.

    • S*******

      Good review, sounds like something I would like to try. Thanks for the contest.

    • R******

      Sounds interesting!

    • T*******

      Thanks for the contest!

    • C*****************

      We wish Dominion great success!

    • T*****************

      Thanks for doin the giveaway!

    • f*********

      Good stuff! Thanks for the contest!

    • T******

      Thanks for the giveaway and good luck everyone. Intrested in trying a non cuban Canadian brand. Thanks

    • O***

      Great contest as usual! Thank you!

    • G***** (***** I* M**

      Many Winter friends from Canada…….After reading the review, I am going to ask them to bring me a few Dominions when they come to Mexico for the Holidays…..!!!!!

    • C****

      Went looking for this cigar yesterday but was unable to find it. Hopefully my local B&M stocks these soon. Looking forward to trying one.

    • X********

      Nice review. Looking forward to trying the Dominion.

    • G***** S**********

      Thank you for the great review.
      These look like they are well constructed and a pleasure to smoke. Looking forward to giving these a try.
      George

    • M*** V***********

      Beautiful looking cigar with a complex profile from a new cigar manufacturer trying to make their mark. Good luck. Thanks for the fine review and the contest.

    • M* H******

      The review was great! Really peeked some interest since we are always wanting to try something new and compare our tastes to that of the “reviews”.
      Best of luck to them and I look forward to seeing some in my humi.

    • V** G*******

      The challenges are not only in the States but in Canada as well for the Cigar Businesses. Hope the CRA helped Dominion. Will be looking forward in trying the Black Lotus.

    • B**** B

      I live in Canada, it is always nice to see a new cigar brand, especially with all the red tape we have in Canada regarding cigars.

    • R*****

      Always enjoy the reviews and cigar comments! I save and refer to them quite often. The opportunities to win cigars and accessories are greatly appreciated!

    • R*** B

      Interesting review AND cool contest!

    • S****

      Great review! Thanks for the contest!

    • J*** H

      Like the size, like the country or origin and wish more ashtrays like this one were available. Nice review as well.

    • t******

      Definitely looking forward to trying them.

    • D**** H****

      I have a couple of other Nicaraguan cigars and really like them. Would love to try these!

    • M***

      Nice, hope to see these out in the Ontario shops to give it a try!

    • J** E*****

      Would love to win this!

    • C****

      Nice review…looks tasty!

    • T** P

      I hope these become available here, sounds like a great smoke!

    • I**

      Very impressive looking cigar. Construction looks superb and teh band is just eye catching! Thanks a lot Dennis for the review. Hope I’ll have a chance to taste it here in Barcelona, Spain at some point!

    • P**** J*

      Nice review, looks terrific. I can’t wait till it hits the lower 48.(US)

    • A******

      Well done guys! Great looking cigar.

    • r**

      first tought that cross my mind when i saw this post on my email is “waww…what an eye catching band, it looks like a jewel or blue diamond or somethin” great design man, can’t wait to see how the cigar taste like.

    • S**** D*********

      Sounds like a good cigar!

    • J**

      Sounds great; just discovered the site as I’m looking to try other brands from my usual selection – look forward to trying them in BKK, if I’m really lucky and they get imported!

    • C****

      Sweet. I am always looking for something new for my self and my friends to try. We like to host smoking parties where we each bring a cigar choice we take turns smoking cigars and talking about the cigar. Its fun.

    • D*****

      Bravo! Finally a Great Canadian Cigar!…can’t wait to try one out!….now what I’m wondering is that is it going to be priced cheaper in the US than here in Canada?

    • J******

      Sounds like a unique cigar company and agreat cigar!

    • M******

      Cerulean blue one of my favourite colours! I notice the band matches the ash tray too! No coincidence I’m sure!

    • J*** P*

      Pretty cool ashtray. Thanks to Steve from Dominion for supplying the prize!

    • j**

      Nice to see a company coming out of the great Pacific Northwest! I’ll have to try these when they show up here.

    • S**** C

      Thanks for the reviews and giveaway.

    • D**** D*

      I have enjoyed one Dominion Black Lotus recently. I found it well made, burnt and smoked well!
      I’m anxous too find somemore of them!

    • R*****

      I would like to have these two sticks for an early December smoke!

    • N***** J******

      Awesome review! Sure would love to get my hands / lips on those! Im sure it be a great combination with Crown Royal…wink wink!

    • C****** H*

      I have mad props for you guys a Dominion Cigars, I travel to British Columbia all the time, I know how expensive it is to smoke a cigar up there. I would love to try this cigar, and if the Inspector gave it a high praise we know for sure its good! Even if I don’t win this contest I will be scouting this cigar out, good luck guys, and great review! Thanks for the contest (btw)!

    • E**** c******

      Like to hear about new blends/companies no one knows about. Look forward to finding these and trying them.

    • J*** B

      Good looking sticks. Thanks for the review/giveaway.

    • A**** j******

      Awesome review! Gobble gobble, would love to smoke one with my tday feast! Happy Holidays!

    • M***** T*****

      Great review. Can’t wait until it’s available in the States

    • M***

      Looking forward to trying this intriguing addition from up north. Please post an update once you know when it migrates south.

    • D********

      Wow, based on your review I would love to get these sticks. thanks!

    • J*** B

      Gonna look for these at my local store- thanks for the review & contest!

    • R****

      Congratulations, and best wishes for a successful venture!

    • W******

      I really appreciate your unbiased reviews of presented cigars. I wish I had your job, LOL. Look forward to others, thanks.

    • J**

      Thank you

    • s********

      I am in.

    • C****

      Education is the key to enjoyment!

    • M****** G********

      Look quite interesting those canadian cigars, thanks for your review, by reading it I would love to try those dominion, nice ashtray. Long ashes

    • F**** G*******

      Those cigars look great. But boy oh boy do I want that ashtray!! Love it!

    • M****** G********

      Look interesting to have a canadian cigars on the market by the they look pretty good according to your nice review, the ashray is quite nice too

    • C****

      This makes me think of when I was a kid, I remember seeing tobacco fields all over north east Victoria, Australia, in the shadow of Mt Bogong. Now they are all gone. It makes me think, what a shame they we couldn’t have had a wonderful cigar industry in Australia. Good on Dominian for producing this brand, hopefully we see more interesting brands popping up in unexpected places! Cheers – Chris

    • S**** M******

      Can’t wait to try these! Sounds great!

    • p*

      Looks great!

    • J****

      Those look good!

    • R** S*******

      I love novel ideas, and a Canadian cigar is just that. Sounds well-balanced. Interested to see where the price point falls. Nice review.

    • j******

      mmm… tasty!

    • J****

      Thank you for the review and contest.

    • M*** R

      Look forward to seeing this in the states. Of course if the FDA gets their way…………

    • a*******

      Very nice review, so thanks for that! Sounds like a really decent smoke to try. I have heard nothing about them so I appreciate the fact that you were able to get them on my radar.

    • R**********

      Wow – just the type of complexity I crave for in my cigars. Would be great to compare these to the Havana’s I have been smoking daily for nearly 30 years.
      Let me know when they hit the shops – I have family in Canada that could get me some.

    • M******

      Thanks for the review. They look delicious! Make me a winner. Happy Turkey Day.

    • G********

      Interesting compagny. Hope those cigars will be made available Canada wide soon.

    • C***

      Nice review. Maybe they can make their way south.

    • D** B

      The Dominion Looks tasty. Cant wait to try them.

    • Q******

      These sound like great cigars. Have a Great Thanksgiving Weekend

    • M***

      Another fine contest….

      Keep up the great reviews!

    • i*********

      It didn’t sound like you were crazy about this stick in the 2/3…..that kind of worries me, I’d like to try them. Thanks for the contest.

    • W******

      Looks like a gorgeous cigar. Would love to try one.

    • D***

      I will try a few sticks after reading this review.

    • K****** T*******

      Looks delicious, hope to win! Thank you!

    • d***

      sounds very enjoyable…on my wish list,,,are you listening Santa…I’ve been good

    • C****** A****** K*****

      Looks amazing!! Whish you the best of luck brothers!
      Charbel

    • G**** M

      I always enjoy trying non-cubans – these sound interesting.

    • J****

      Very flattering review. Sounds like something I’d enjoy. Not at Canadian cigar prices though.

    • B******

      Great review. But, now you’ve teased me with about a terrific cigar that I can’t yet purchase. A definite “must try” when it hits the States.

      • J** C***

        If your ever in Niagara falls Canada there’s a shop called cigar experience that carries them.

    • H* R******

      Canadian cigars? A novel idea! Nice review.

    • J*** K**

      Good Luck

    • A**********

      Sounds interesting, would love to give these a try.

    • A*** K

      Thanks for the review.

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Cigar Region Nicaragua
Filler Nicaragua and Honduras
Wrapper Honduran Colorado Habano
Binder Honduran Sumatra
Length 6
Ring Gauge 50
Vitola Toro
Construction Hand Made