AshMap
Overview
The Diamond Crown Black Diamond Lancero represents a refined chapter in General Cigar's Dominican legacy—a deliberately understated expression of maduro craftsmanship that rewards patience and precision. Rolled at the venerated Santiago factory, this 7.5 × 40 lancero marries the house's time-honored Dominican tobacco expertise with a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper of near-black richness, creating a medium-full profile that eschews bombast in favor of layered elegance. Where many modern maduros chase bold, assertive character, the Black Diamond Lancero instead pursues a more contemplative path: the narrow ring gauge serves as both constraint and virtue, concentrating flavors into a tightly woven tapestry of dark cocoa, roasted espresso, leather, and barnyard earth that unfolds deliberately across a 90-to-100-minute session.
From the first draw, the cigar announces its pedigree. Rich cocoa and espresso leap forward, tempered by a subtle sweetness that speaks to the quality of the Broadleaf wrapper and the careful aging of the Dominican long-filler tobaccos beneath. The second third deepens this complexity considerably—dark cherry and black pepper emerge alongside a persistent cedar backbone that gradually transitions toward molasses and dried tobacco, while the smoke itself takes on a creamy, almost luxurious texture that defines Dominican craftsmanship at this level. By the final third, espresso and dark chocolate dominate, supported by a peppery finish and a whisper of charred wood, leaving a long, satisfying retrohale that lingers well after the ash has been set down.
The Black Diamond Lancero occupies an intriguing position in the premium cigar landscape: it is neither the flashiest nor the most immediately accessible offering in its category, yet it possesses a quiet confidence that appeals to the serious aficionado. This is a cigar for those who have already traveled the Dominican and Nicaraguan terrain, who understand the difference between strength and depth, and who recognize that elegance and restraint can deliver as much satisfaction as raw power. The lancero vitola, in particular, elevates the Black Diamond blend beyond its box-pressed siblings by concentrating every nuance the tobaccos offer—a format that demands quality construction and rewards slow, deliberate smoking.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro — Maduro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Dominican Republic |
| Filler | Dominican Republic long-filler tobaccos, aged |
| Country of Origin | Santiago, Dominican Republic |
| Vitola / Shape | Lancero |
| Size | 7.5 x 40 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $18–$24 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos are aged prior to rolling; specific duration not publicly disclosed by General Cigar |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The narrow ring gauge front-loads concentration immediately — rich dark cocoa, roasted espresso, and a distinctive barnyard earthiness emerge within the first few draws. A subtle sweetness from the Broadleaf wrapper coats the palate, with underlying cedar and dried fruit notes.
Second Third
Complexity deepens considerably as the thin lancero format allows oils to accumulate. Dark cherry, leather, and a hint of black pepper develop alongside the persistent cocoa. The cedar backbone transitions toward dried tobacco and molasses, with a creamy smoke texture that defines the Dominican pedigree.
Final Third
The final third intensifies with espresso and dark chocolate dominating, supported by a persistent peppery finish and a whisper of charred wood. The sweetness from the Broadleaf integrates fully, leaving a long, satisfying retrohale with cocoa and a mild earthy note.
Construction, Burn & Draw
The lancero format demands quality construction, and the Black Diamond generally delivers a slightly resistant but rewarding draw that concentrates flavor beautifully. The burn line can waver on occasion given the thin ring gauge, but the dense ash holds firm for an inch or more under proper humidification.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged rum — particularly a 12-year Ron Zacapa or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva — mirrors the molasses and dark fruit sweetness. A lightly peated Scotch whisky such as Glenfarclas 15 also complements nicely.
Wine
A California Zinfandel or an Amarone della Valpolicella — their dark fruit, cocoa, and earthy depth echo the cigar's flavor register without overpowering it.
Non-Alcoholic
A double espresso or a dark roast cold brew with a touch of natural sweetness; avoid milk-forward preparations that can mask the Broadleaf's nuance.
Who Should Smoke This?
The Diamond Crown Black Diamond Lancero is crafted for the experienced aficionado who appreciates Dominican tobacco character and understands that a medium-full profile need not sacrifice complexity or refinement. This is not an entry-level cigar; it demands a palate already familiar with nuanced flavor progression and the patience to spend 90–100 minutes in an undistracted, dedicated session. It suits the late-evening smoker, the collector who values underappreciated gems, and those seeking a maduro that emphasizes elegance over aggression. Ideal for contemplative solo smoking or thoughtful conversation with fellow connoisseurs—not a quick hand-check, but a commitment to the craft.
Bottom Line
The Diamond Crown Black Diamond Lancero is an underappreciated gem that leverages its narrow vitola to concentrate Dominican character into a complex, elegant maduro experience. A serious choice for aficionados who prize restraint, depth, and craftsmanship in equal measure.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Diamond Crown Black Diamond cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Diamond Crown Black Diamond Lancero a strong cigar?
The Black Diamond Lancero carries a medium-full strength rating (4/5), making it decidedly robust without approaching full-bodied intensity. It emphasizes complexity and depth over raw power, delivering serious character through layered flavors rather than aggressive nicotine presence.
What does the Diamond Crown Black Diamond Lancero taste like?
The flavor profile progresses from rich dark cocoa and roasted espresso in the first third, through dark cherry, leather, and black pepper in the second, to a dominant espresso and dark chocolate finish with peppery notes. Cedar, molasses, and a distinctive barnyard earthiness frame the entire smoke, with a creamy texture throughout.
How long does the Diamond Crown Black Diamond Lancero take to smoke?
Expect a 90-to-100-minute smoking session. The narrow 40-ring-gauge lancero format concentrates flavors but requires deliberate, unhurried pacing to fully appreciate its complexity.
What is the best pairing for the Diamond Crown Black Diamond Lancero?
Aged rum—particularly Ron Zacapa 12-Year or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva—mirrors the molasses and dark fruit sweetness beautifully. A lightly peated Scotch whisky such as Glenfarclas 15 complements nicely. Wine enthusiasts should consider a California Zinfandel or Amarone della Valpolicella. A double espresso or dark roast cold brew with natural sweetness also pairs excellently.
Is the Diamond Crown Black Diamond Lancero good for beginners?
No. This cigar is designed for experienced aficionados who understand Dominican tobacco character, appreciate nuanced flavor progression, and possess the patience for a 90-to-100-minute dedicated session. The narrow ring gauge and medium-full strength demand a developed palate.
Where is the Diamond Crown Black Diamond Lancero made?
The Black Diamond Lancero is hand-rolled at the General Cigar Dominican factory in Santiago, Dominican Republic—the facility formerly known as MATASA. The blend utilizes Dominican long-filler tobaccos and a Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper.
What is the price of the Diamond Crown Black Diamond Lancero?
The Black Diamond Lancero retails for $18–$24 per cigar, positioning it firmly in the premium tier despite its relative underappreciation in the broader market.
Is the Diamond Crown Black Diamond Lancero worth aging?
The tobaccos are aged prior to rolling, and no specific publicly disclosed aging duration is provided by General Cigar. While the cigar is excellently constructed and will likely age gracefully, it is designed for immediate enjoyment by the aficionado seeking a refined, mature expression today rather than years hence.
What wrapper does the Diamond Crown Black Diamond Lancero use?
The Black Diamond Lancero features a Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper in an oscuro shade—near black in color, lightly oily with a toothy, rustic texture that delivers the signature sweetness and depth the line is known for.
Where can I buy the Diamond Crown Black Diamond Lancero?
As a premium General Cigar offering, the Black Diamond Lancero is available through authorized premium cigar retailers and online merchants. Verify authenticity and proper storage conditions when purchasing.