Candela

La Flor Dominicana Double Claro No. 42

A brief word on candela wrappers, as it seems that any candela review is required to mention it: The candela wrapper is specially cured to fix the chlorophyl in the leaf and retain a green color. (You can get the same effect by bombarding a normal cigar with gamma radiation and then getting it angry.) They used to be very popular, particularly in America, but fell out of fashion and are now some of the least produced types of wrapper. In the last few years, a few companies have attempted to revive this style, which has a unique and distinct taste. There were only a few brands that make a candela cigar to choose from for this review (Arturo Fuente, Illusione, La Flor Dominicana, Camacho, and La Gloria Cubana), and I opted to go for La Flor Dominicana’s offering. For this review I chose the “No. 42” vitola, because it has the smallest ring gauge, and really shows off the flavor of the candela wrapper.

Statistics

CotM: June 2012







Chosen by: YaDamnSkippy

YaDamnSkippy





Shape: Parejo







Size: 5″1/2 x 42







Country of Origin: Dominican Republic







Wrapper: Ecuadorian Candela







Binder: Nicaraguan







Filler: Dominican







Color: Candela







Strength: Medium







Price Paid: $5.19







Smoke Date: 5/09/13







Age: 5 weeks



Accessories Used

Cuban Crafters Perfect Cutter (Silver & Carbon Fiber), Bugatti B-2002 lighter with “pyramid” double-flame torch, Handmade English walnut ashtray made by wedgewoodrings.

Pairing

Ti Kuan Yin loose leaf oolong tea in a small porcelain teapot (Adagio PersonaliTEA) and matching Asian style (no handle) teacup. The honeysuckle and nutty flavors of the tea were perfect with the green pepper and toast flavors of the double claro. I can’t think of a better breakfast smoke combo.

Appearance/Nose

The stick was smooth and olive-green with a few medium veins. The texture and shape reminded me of a branch of a tree we have out here in the desert called palo verde. The band is black, red, and gold, with a bit of green gradient at the bottom. Personally, I think it clashes a bit with the green cigar. The nose was barnyard and tea.

Construction

The construction was solid, with a slightly soft spot near the head. Though the cigar was cylindrical, the foot looked box-pressed and was square, with brown filler contrasting against the candela wrapper. The wrapper itself was very thick and flexibile, a bit like a fresh leaf. The burn cannot be described as anything but perfect. it was razor-sharp through the whole stick. The ash stayed put for about an inch at a time. It probably would have held on longer, but I didn’t want to risk making a mess.

Cold Draw

The cold draw was a little tight, with a very strong taste of green tea. Quit nice.

Smoking

First third

The draw opened up immediately. no problems there. From the start, this stick started billowing creamy white smoke.

There was nothing grassy about this cigar, but there was a taste of something “green” in there. It’s a bit of spice, somewhere between a bell pepper and a jalapeño. There was also a taste of coffee and toast. (Am I hungry, or does this cigar tastes like breakfast!?)

Second third

Into the second third, the flavor profile didn’t change much, if at all. Green bell pepper, mild spice, coffee, and wheat toast.

Despite the lack of a change, I can’t find anything to complain about, because the flavors were delicious!

Final third





Some change finally came. A bit of oily butter got mixed in. Now that toasty flavor turned into buttered toast. Otherwise, the green pepper and light coffee stay put. The breakfast buffet continues.

At the end, the green pepper came out in full. It was now a serrano pepper for sure. Lots of peppery spice.

Notes

Draw: Smooth from start to finish







Body: M ild-medium







Primary Flavors: B ell pepper, serrano pepper, wheat toast







Smoke Output: M edium-full







Smoke Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes

Overall

I was really surprised by this stick. The smaller ring gauge of the No. 42 allows the wrapper to really stand out strongly, and imparts a green-peppery taste that is unusual and delicious. The lack of transformation can be forgiven, as the flavor profile is complex and fantastic from the start. I will definitely be getting some more of these. While it’s not perfect for every occasion, and would probably be overpowered by coffee, ale, or whiskey, it is a perfect morning smoke with a pot of tea.

Rating