AshMap
Overview
The La Flor Dominicana Salomon stands as a masterclass in figurado construction and Dominican tobacco mastery. Crafted at Litto Gomez's Santiago factory, this 7.5 x 57 perfecto demands the skill of the brand's most accomplished rollers—the tapered foot and bulging head require precision that separates the exceptional from the merely competent. What emerges from that careful construction is a cigar that challenges the long-held assumption that complexity and nuance belong exclusively to Nicaraguan blends or Cuban legends. The LFD Salomon is, quite simply, an underrated reference point in the Dominican canon.
The smoke itself unfolds with remarkable sophistication across its 90–110 minute runtime. The first third introduces creamy cedar and toasted almond, warmed by the Colorado Corojo wrapper's silky presence, before white pepper whispers on the retrohale. As the ring gauge opens into the full 57-ring belly, the profile deepens dramatically—roasted espresso, dark caramel, and seasoned oak emerge alongside dried fruit notes that suggest both golden raisin and apricot. The final third consolidates these themes into concentrated earth, dark chocolate, and leather, finishing with cocoa powder and cedar that linger without overstaying their welcome. Strength builds moderately throughout but never becomes aggressive; the balance is the hallmark of experienced blending.
Construction is flawless. The burn is even and deliberate, the ash holds in charcoal-grey columns exceeding 1.5 inches, and the draw channels cool, rich smoke from the first light through the final inch. This is not a cigar for the impatient or the casual smoker. The Salomon rewards full attention, unhurried time, and appreciation for the craftsmanship that shapes it. In a category often overshadowed by more celebrated competitors, it remains one of the finest expressions of what a Dominican puro can achieve.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Dominican Corojo — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Dominican |
| Filler | Dominican long-fillers, proprietary blend of aged Dominican tobaccos |
| Country of Origin | Santiago, Dominican Republic |
| Vitola / Shape | Salomon |
| Size | 7.5 x 57 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $18–$24 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged a minimum of 3 years before rolling; finished cigars rested before release |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The tapered foot opens with a refined complexity — creamy cedar and toasted almond emerge immediately, backed by subtle floral notes from the Dominican Corojo wrapper. Light white pepper registers on the retrohale, and a rich creaminess coats the palate throughout.
Second Third
As the ring gauge opens into the full 57-ring belly of the perfecto, the smoke density increases and flavors deepen. Roasted espresso, dark caramel, and seasoned oak come forward, while dried fruit — golden raisin and a hint of apricot — threads through the profile. The draw becomes effortless and the complexity is at its peak.
Final Third
The final third delivers concentrated earth, dark chocolate, leather, and a pleasant woody spice. The creaminess from the first third gives way to a drier finish with lingering cocoa powder and cedar on the palate. Strength builds moderately but never becomes aggressive — the balance holds through the final inch.
Construction, Burn & Draw
LFD's Salomons are benchmarks of construction — the tapered foot channels cool, rich smoke from the first light, the burn is even and deliberate, and the ash holds in firm, charcoal-grey columns of 1.5 inches or more. The draw is medium-open, never tight, always controlled.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged rum — Barceló Imperial or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva — mirrors the caramel and dried fruit notes beautifully; alternatively, a 15-year Scotch single malt like Glenfarclas 15 Year complements the oak and chocolate.
Wine
A medium-bodied Rioja Reserva (Tempranillo-forward) or a dry Oloroso Sherry — both echo the cedar, dried fruit, and earthy complexity without overwhelming the cigar's more delicate floral nuances.
Non-Alcoholic
A double espresso with a small pour of heavy cream, or a medium-roast single-origin Ethiopian pour-over — the coffee's brightness highlights the almond and cocoa layers in the second third.
Who Should Smoke This?
The LFD Salomon is crafted for the seasoned aficionado—someone who appreciates figurado construction as much as flavor complexity, and who has moved beyond the beginner phase into deeper tobacco appreciation. This is not an entry-level cigar. It demands a full 90–110 minutes of uninterrupted time, making it ideal for a leisurely afternoon or evening session where its evolution can be fully savored. The Salomon suits the aficionado who respects Dominican tobacco as a peer to Nicaraguan complexity and who approaches smoking as a meditation rather than a quick indulgence. It's perfect for those seeking a meaningful reference point in the puro format—a cigar to smoke alongside Cuban benchmarks to truly understand Dominican craftsmanship.
Bottom Line
The La Flor Dominicana Salomon is one of the premium Caribbean's most underrated figurados—a masterwork of construction and Dominican tobacco complexity that rivals far more celebrated vitolas. If you respect craftsmanship and nuance, this is non-negotiable.
Similar Cigars
Explore all La Flor Dominicana cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the La Flor Dominicana Salomon a strong cigar?
It is medium-full in strength (4/5), meaning it has substance and presence without overwhelming the palate. Strength builds moderately across the smoke, but the balance never tips toward aggression—it remains refined throughout.
What does the La Flor Dominicana Salomon taste like?
The first third offers creamy cedar and toasted almond with subtle floral notes and light white pepper. The second third deepens into roasted espresso, dark caramel, seasoned oak, and dried fruit (golden raisin, apricot). The final third concentrates into earth, dark chocolate, leather, and cocoa powder with lingering cedar.
How long does the La Flor Dominicana Salomon take to smoke?
Plan for 90–110 minutes. The Salomon is not a quick smoke—its figurado shape and complex profile reward unhurried consumption and full attention.
What is the best pairing for the La Flor Dominicana Salomon?
Aged rum—particularly Barceló Imperial or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva—mirrors its caramel and dried fruit beautifully. A 15-year Scotch single malt like Glenfarclas 15 Year complements the oak and chocolate. A medium-bodied Rioja Reserva or dry Oloroso Sherry pairs elegantly without overwhelming. For non-alcoholic pairings, a double espresso with cream or a medium-roast Ethiopian pour-over highlights its almond and cocoa layers.
Is the La Flor Dominicana Salomon good for beginners?
No. This is a cigar for seasoned aficionados. The 90–110 minute commitment, figurado complexity, and medium-full strength make it better suited to experienced smokers who can fully appreciate its nuance.
Where can I buy the La Flor Dominicana Salomon?
Premium cigar retailers and online merchants specializing in Dominican cigars typically stock the LFD Salomon. Given its hand-rolled figurado format and limited production relative to standard parejos, availability may vary—check with established retailers for current inventory.
What is the price of the La Flor Dominicana Salomon?
The La Flor Dominicana Salomon retails for $18–$24 per cigar, positioning it in the premium tier. The price reflects hand-rolled construction, aged Dominican tobaccos, and the skill required to execute its complex figurado shape.
Is the La Flor Dominicana Salomon worth aging?
The tobaccos are already aged a minimum of 3 years before rolling, and finished cigars are rested before release. While the Salomon is ready to smoke upon purchase, additional aging in a properly maintained humidor will allow the flavors to further integrate and mellow.
What wrapper does the La Flor Dominicana Salomon use?
The wrapper is Dominican Corojo in a Colorado shade—a warm reddish-brown with a silky texture and slight oil sheen. The binder and long-fillers are Dominican as well, making this a true Dominican puro.
Where is the La Flor Dominicana Salomon made?
The Salomon is hand-rolled at La Flor Dominicana's own factory in Santiago, Dominican Republic. The brand's master rollers execute this figurado vitola, which demands exceptional skill due to its tapered foot and bulging perfecto head.