AshMap
Overview
La Flor Dominicana’s Double Ligero DL-700 is not merely a cigar; it is a manifesto wrapped in a Dominican Habano-seed sungrown leaf. Conceived in the early 2000s by Litto Gomez, the Double Ligero line was a deliberate provocation—a rebuttal to the long-held assumption that the Dominican Republic could only produce mild, approachable smokes. The DL-700, the flagship Churchill of the series, takes its name from its 7-inch length and stands as the most emphatic expression of that philosophy. From its first cold draw—dry cocoa powder, toasted almonds, a whisper of barnyard earth—the cigar announces that it is built on a foundation of double ligero primings, leaf selected from the highest stalk positions on plants grown in LFD’s own Cibao Valley farms. The tobacco is aged approximately three years before rolling, a patience that tempers the raw power into something formidable yet measured. The wrapper is a striking Colorado-hued, toothy leaf with a satin sheen; beneath it lies a ligero-heavy Dominican binder and a long-filler blend that is unapologetically full in strength—rated 4 out of 5. The first third delivers dark espresso, leather, and dry red pepper spice, with a dark molasses sweetness threading through the boldness. By the second third, patience is rewarded: the spice integrates, the profile broadens into roasted cedar, dark chocolate, loamy earth, and dried cherry on the retrohale. The final third intensifies toward charred oak, espresso grounds, dark earth, and a roasted meat quality, finishing with a persistent peppery tingle on the lips as strength climbs to full-plus territory. This is not a cigar for casual conversation. It is a meditative, 90-minute minimum commitment—best lit in the evening, with an unhurried glass of aged rum or a wheated bourbon. Construction is exemplary: an even, slow burn; a firm salt-and-pepper ash holding 1.5 to 2 inches; a slightly firm draw that maximizes smoke density and flavor concentration. The DL-700 does not court beginners or those seeking a quick post-dinner smoke. It is a deliberate, sophisticated article for the seasoned palate—a testament to Dominican tobacco’s capacity for raw depth and power. In the premium cigar world, it occupies a singular position: a counter-narrative, a bold statement, and a benchmark for ligero-forward construction that rewards those who take the time to understand it.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Dominican Republic, Habano-seed Sungrown — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Dominican Republic, Ligero-heavy Dominican binder |
| Filler | Dominican Republic — blend heavily weighted toward double ligero primings from LFD's own Cibao Valley farms, long-filler |
| Country of Origin | Santiago, Dominican Republic — La Flor Dominicana factory (Tabacalera La Flor S.A.) |
| Vitola / Shape | Churchill |
| Size | 7 x 52 |
| Strength | Full |
| Price | $18–$24 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Core tobaccos aged approximately 3 years prior to rolling; benefits from additional 6–12 months of personal cellaring |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw opens with dry cocoa powder, toasted almonds, and a whisper of barnyard earthiness. Once lit, the first third delivers a bold burst of dark espresso, leather, and dry red pepper spice — the ligero content announces itself immediately with authority. A subtle sweetness reminiscent of dark molasses threads through the background.
Second Third
The mid-section is where the Double Ligero truly rewards patience — the spice integrates and the profile broadens into roasted cedar, dark chocolate, and a rich, loamy earthiness. Notes of dried cherry and a touch of black pepper linger on the retrohale. Combustion heat is well-managed at this stage and complexity increases markedly.
Final Third
The final third intensifies considerably — espresso grounds, charred oak, and dark earth dominate. A roasted meat quality emerges alongside a persistent peppery finish on the lips. Strength climbs toward full-plus territory; this is not a cigar to smoke past its natural conclusion.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is exemplary — LFD rolls tight but not restrictive, and the DL-700 typically produces an even, slow burn with a firm salt-and-pepper ash that holds 1.5 to 2 inches. Draw is slightly firm, ideal for maximizing smoke density and flavor concentration.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged rum with backbone — Zacapa 23, Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva, or a mid-shelf Nicaraguan rum; alternatively, a wheated bourbon such as Maker's Mark 46 or Weller 12 to temper the pepper
Wine
Amarone della Valpolicella or a Priorat — wines with high tannin structure and dried fruit character that can hold their own against the ligero intensity
Non-Alcoholic
Double espresso or a cold brew concentrate — the coffee's bitterness and body mirror and enhance the cigar's roasted core notes perfectly
Who Should Smoke This?
This cigar is for the experienced smoker who has graduated beyond medium-bodied blends and seeks a full-strength Dominican that demands respect. It is not a morning smoke or a social cigar for a crowded lounge where distraction abounds. The DL-700 should be enjoyed by aficionados who appreciate the nuance of double ligero—those who understand that power can be complex, and that a firm draw and slow burn are features, not flaws. It is ideal for a dedicated evening session of at least 90 minutes, paired with a contemplative spirit. If you smoke Padrón 1964s for strength and have dismissed Dominican cigars as mild, this Churchill exists to correct your assumption.
Bottom Line
The La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero DL-700 is a masterclass in ligero-forward construction—a bold, sophisticated Churchill that redefines what Dominican tobacco can achieve. It demands attention, rewards patience, and delivers an uncompromisingly powerful experience for the seasoned palate.
Similar Cigars
Explore all La Flor Dominicana cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero DL-700 a strong cigar?
Yes. Rated 4 out of 5 for strength, it is a full-bodied cigar built on double ligero primings. It announces itself from the first puff and intensifies into the final third, where it reaches full-plus territory. This is not a cigar for the faint of heart.
What does La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero DL-700 taste like?
Flavors evolve through three distinct stages: first third features dark espresso, leather, dry red pepper, and dark molasses sweetness. Second third broadens to roasted cedar, dark chocolate, loamy earth, and dried cherry on the retrohale. Final third intensifies with espresso grounds, charred oak, dark earth, and a roasted meat quality with persistent pepper.
How long does La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero DL-700 take to smoke?
Plan for a minimum of 90 minutes. The slow, even burn and firm draw require a relaxed, unhurried pace. It is best reserved for a dedicated evening session when you can give it full attention.
What is the best pairing for La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero DL-700?
An aged rum such as Zacapa 23 or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva complements the cigar’s depth. A wheated bourbon like Maker's Mark 46 or Weller 12 tempers the pepper. For wine, try Amarone della Valpolicella or Priorat. Non-alcoholic: a double espresso or cold brew mirrors the roasted core notes.
Is La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero DL-700 good for beginners?
No. This is a full-strength, ligero-forward cigar designed for seasoned palates. Beginners may find the intensity overwhelming. It is best approached after developing experience with medium-to-full bodied cigars.
Where can I buy La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero DL-700?
The DL-700 is available at premium brick-and-mortar tobacconists and select online cigar retailers. As a core production item from La Flor Dominicana, it is generally accessible but can sell out quickly due to demand.
What is the price of La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero DL-700?
Pricing ranges from $18 to $24 per cigar, placing it in the premium tier. Boxes of 24 are the standard presentation.
Is La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero DL-700 worth aging?
Yes. The core tobaccos are aged approximately three years before rolling, but the cigar benefits from an additional 6 to 12 months of personal cellaring. This can further integrate the spice and deepen the complexity, though it is already well-balanced upon release.
What wrapper does La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero DL-700 use?
The wrapper is a Dominican Republic Habano-seed sungrown leaf, shade-grown to Colorado color—a medium-dark toffee brown with a toothy texture and subtle satin sheen.
Where is La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero DL-700 made?
It is hand-rolled at the La Flor Dominicana factory (Tabacalera La Flor S.A.) in Santiago, Dominican Republic—the same facility where Litto Gomez produces all LFD cigars.