Dona Flor Reserva Especial Robusto

Overall Score

1 review for Dona Flor Reserva Especial Robusto

  1. Jason

    Dona Flor Reserva Especial Robusto

    Origin : BrazilDona Flor cigars
    Format : Robusto
    Size : 5 x 52
    Wrapper : Brazil
    Filler : Brazil
    Binder : Brazil
    Hand-Made
    Price : MSRP: $12.50

    Thanks to GVG International for providing this sample for review!

    This is my first try at a Brazilian Puro, so I didn’t know what to expect with this cigar. My only experience with Brazilian tobacco is with the CAO Brazilia, which has a Brazilian wrapper. Based on that, I was expecting a full bodied cigar, though that’s not what I got…

    Appearance : [rating:3/5]
    This cigar was rustic looking with a toothy Colorado shade wrapper that looked to be rather sloppily applied. It had an earthy toasted smell at cold.

    Construction : [rating:4/5]
    The burn on this cigar was staggered at times, but it wasn’t a big deal. The draw was fine and it didn’t require any relights, only a few touch ups to even out the burn.

    Flavor : [rating:4/5]
    This cigar started out smoothly and developed some nice earthy and nutty flavors after about the 1st half an inch. There were some slight hints of leather and toasted tobacco as well. I would describe this cigar as being mild-medium bodied, which is contrary to what I expected going in. The second half saw a mocha like finish develop, which was the highlight of this cigar’s smoking experience. The Dona Flor was consistently smooth and pleasant, and exhibited above average complexity for a lighter bodied cigar. My only complaint is that I got a little bored with it at times, expecially during the first half.

    Value : [rating:2.5/5]
    The MSRP on this cigar is $12.50, which is a very steep price, especially for a lighter bodied cigar. It doesn’t seem that readily available either, though I did find one retailer that carried it and had it on sale for $84.95 a box of 10. I would be more likely to buy this cigar if it was priced in the $6.00 – $7.50 range.

    Overall Rating : [rating:3.5/5]
    This cigar was an enjoyable experience overall, and was impressively flavorful for a mild – medium bodied cigar. It is advertised as a full bodied smoke, though I don’t see it. Perhaps the one I smoked was the exception; however, I didn’t have time to smoke another before reviewing. Regardless, I would definitely recommend trying.

    Helpful?
    0 0
    • Fernandotello

      I can answer your question Meono, if you allow me to intrude. Here in Brazil we have great cigar makers, most located near Bahia. One particular company, was founded by a Cuban immigrant Felix Menendez who came here to build a cigar business called Menendez & Amerino, creators of Dona Flor smoked in this review. Felix was involved (or created) the Montecristo from Cuba, he migrated to Brazil to produce cigars using the Brazilian Mata Fina tabaco. My favorite is the Alonso Menendez Churchill or Double Coronas, also recommend the Robusto, and Dona Flor Churchill, the one from this review was from a Reserva Especial (Special Reserve), possibly 2006, sold in a beautiful box with three different samples, the Puro Mata Fina, Selecao Robusto and the Special Reserve. They are all hand made by expert Brazilian cigar rollers, with whole leafs.

      Besides these, there is the known best Brazilian cigar highly rated by cigar lovers, the Dannemann from any Artist Line series – these are known to be hand made with whole leafs using the Tabaco called Mata Norte from the North of Brazil. If one should taste a Dannemann he cannot pass on trying also the Dannemann Maduro, a small sweet cigar from Bahia – Sao Felix.

      Following these, we have more Mata Fina and Mata Norte cigars, from the Brands Monte Pascoal, known for their Diplomatas and Double Coronas. The cheap not so good Diogenes Puentes, the rare Caravelas Torpedo and Corona Gorda, one of my favorites, the Angelina Exclusivos FFF, produced in Brazil, with Indonesian origins, with a Mata Norte filler from the city Cruz das Almas.

      A cigar lover who wishes to try the Brazilian exclusive Mata Fina and Norte tabaco, grown in Bahia – Brazil, should try Alonso Menendez, Dona Flor, Angelina, and Dannemann above mentioned.

      Enjoy!

    • Meono

      Alexandre Mello -> How is the cigar atmosphere in Brazil? Which cigars is made in Brazil?

    • Alexandre Mello

      Living in Brazil myself, I have smoked many of them and it is a regular component of my cigar humidor. Although I do like it a lot, it’s not really a full-bodied smoke. I would prefer to put in the medium-bodied category. The big thing about it, IMO, is the smoothness and the sweet, nutty flavors that you get. They usually produce a good amount of smoke, very silky to the palate. The suggested price in the US is really out of reality. I totally agree with the review.

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Cigar Region Brazil
Filler Brazil
Wrapper Brazil
Binder Brazil
Length 5
Ring Gauge 52
Vitola Robusto
Construction Hand Made