AshMap
Overview
The La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero DL-700 is not a cigar that whispers. It arrives with the gravitational pull of a statement — Litto Gomez’s middle finger to anyone who still believes the Dominican Republic only knows how to make mild, brunch-friendly smokes. From the first cold draw, there’s a tension in the air: dry cocoa powder and toasted almonds promise something baked and comforting, but the barnyard earthiness underneath is a warning. Light it, and the warning becomes a declaration. The first third hits like a dark espresso shot thrown against the back of the throat — leather, dry red pepper, and a molasses sweetness that never quite apologizes. This is a cigar that knows exactly what it is, and it wants you to know it too.
The DL-700’s genius is in its pacing. The second third is where the blend’s architecture becomes visible — the ligero-heavy filler doesn’t just bulldoze forward; it integrates, allowing roasted cedar and dark chocolate to surface over a loamy earth that feels like freshly turned Cibao Valley soil. The retrohale delivers dried cherry and black pepper, but the heat is managed with surprising discipline. This is not a blunt instrument; it’s a controlled burn, a slow revelation of depth that rewards patience. The ash holds firm, salt-and-pepper gray, and the draw — slightly firm — forces you to work for each puff, which only concentrates the smoke and sharpens the flavors.
By the final third, the DL-700 has shed any pretense of subtlety. Espresso grounds, charred oak, and dark earth dominate, with a roasted meat quality that edges toward umami — think the crust of a properly seared steak. The pepper returns, not as a spice but as a persistent tingle on the lips, and the strength climbs into full-plus territory. This is the point where lesser cigars would collapse into bitterness, but the DL-700 holds its line, delivering a finish that is long, peppery, and unapologetically intense. It’s a cigar that demands you respect its conclusion — smoke it past its natural end, and you’ll regret it.
What makes the DL-700 distinctive is not just its power, but its refusal to be one-dimensional. It’s a showcase of Dominican tobacco’s capacity for depth, a counter-narrative to the region’s mild reputation. The Habano-seed sungrown wrapper adds a toasty, slightly sweet character that frames the ligero’s aggression, while the aged core tobaccos provide a foundation that keeps everything from spiraling into harshness. This is a cigar for evenings when you have nothing but time and the willingness to be challenged. It’s not a smoke; it’s an argument — and Litto Gomez wins it every time.
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?
You are a seasoned smoker who has cut your teeth on Padron 1964 Anniversary maduros and Fuente Añejo, but you’ve grown tired of the same old Nicaraguan power plays. It’s a Thursday evening, the house is quiet, and you’ve just poured a glass of Zacapa 23 over a single large ice cube. You want something that will make you sit down and pay attention — not just for the nicotine, but for the narrative. You’ve smoked Dominican cigars before and dismissed them as too polite, too easy. The DL-700 is here to correct that assumption. It will give you a 90-minute arc that starts with a jolt, settles into a complex middle, and ends with a crescendo that leaves you slightly breathless. You’ll finish it feeling like you’ve had a conversation with a master blender who doesn’t need to raise his voice to make a point.
Bottom Line
The La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero DL-700 is a masterclass in ligero-forward blending — powerful, precise, and unapologetically Dominican. It’s not for the faint of heart, but for those who respect a cigar that demands full attention, it’s an unforgettable experience.
Similar Cigars
Explore all La Flor Dominicana cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero DL-700 a strong cigar?
Yes, it is rated Full (4/5) on the strength scale. Physically, you’ll feel the nicotine kick within the first third — a warmth in the chest and a slight buzz that builds steadily. By the final third, it climbs toward full-plus, so it’s best smoked on a full stomach and at a relaxed pace.
What does La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero DL-700 taste like?
The flavor progression moves from dark espresso, leather, and dry red pepper in the first third, to roasted cedar, dark chocolate, loamy earth, and dried cherry in the second. The final third intensifies with espresso grounds, charred oak, dark earth, and a roasted meat quality, finishing with a persistent peppery tingle on the lips.
How long does La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero DL-700 take to smoke?
As a Churchill at 7 x 52, expect a minimum of 90 minutes. The slow, even burn and slightly firm draw mean you’ll want to set aside a full two hours to enjoy it without rushing.
What is the best pairing for La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero DL-700?
Aged rum with backbone, such as Zacapa 23 or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva, is ideal — the rum’s sweetness and body mirror the cigar’s dark molasses notes while cutting through the pepper. Alternatively, a wheated bourbon like Maker’s Mark 46 tempers the spice and complements the roasted cedar.
Is La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero DL-700 good for beginners?
No. This is a full-strength cigar with a nicotine punch that can overwhelm novices. Additionally, at $18–$24 per cigar, it’s an investment best saved for when you’ve developed a palate for ligero-forward blends and can appreciate its intensity without being knocked sideways.
Where can I buy La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero DL-700?
You can find it at premium brick-and-mortar cigar shops with a well-stocked Dominican section, or online from reputable retailers like Cigar.com, Famous Smoke Shop, or Atlantic Cigar. Given its tier, it’s less common in discount outlets, so check specialty stores or direct from LFD’s authorized distributors.
What is the price of La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero DL-700?
The DL-700 typically retails between $18 and $24 per cigar, depending on your local taxes and the retailer. It’s positioned as a premium smoke, so expect to pay accordingly.
Is La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero DL-700 worth aging?
Yes. The core tobaccos are already aged about 3 years before rolling, but an additional 6–12 months of personal cellaring will soften the pepper’s sharp edges and allow the dark chocolate and dried fruit notes to deepen. The Habano-seed sungrown wrapper also benefits from humidity-controlled rest, which enhances its toasty sweetness.
What wrapper does La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero DL-700 use?
It uses a Dominican Republic Habano-seed Sungrown wrapper, shade-grown to a Colorado color. This wrapper contributes a toasty, slightly sweet character with a toothy texture, and it’s robust enough to handle the ligero-heavy filler without overpowering it.
Where is La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero DL-700 made?
It’s hand-rolled at the La Flor Dominicana factory, Tabacalera La Flor S.A., in Santiago, Dominican Republic. The filler tobaccos come from LFD’s own Cibao Valley farms, and the production is a showcase of Litto Gomez’s ligero-dominant construction philosophy.