AshMap
Overview
The La Flor Dominicana Salomon is a study in controlled release—a cigar that withholds its full intent until the precise moment you’ve earned it. From the first cold draw, there’s a tension between the tapered foot’s promise of delicacy and the bulging head’s hint of density. That tension resolves in the first third as a stream of creamy cedar and toasted almond, so finely textured it feels almost like inhaling a cloud of sawdust from a sun-warmed workbench. The floral undertone from the Dominican Corojo wrapper is not a shy whisper but a confident hum, like linden blossom carried on a breeze through a tobacco barn. Retrohaling reveals a white pepper that’s more a shimmer than a sting—a polite announcement that this is not a cigar to be rushed.
As the burn crosses into the full 57-ring belly, the cigar’s architecture becomes apparent. The smoke thickens, and with it comes a roasted espresso depth that anchors the profile, while dark caramel and seasoned oak build a framework of sweetness and structure. What surprises is the dried fruit—golden raisin and a faint apricot—that weaves through the middle like a thread of sunlight. This is not a fruit bomb; it’s a subtle counterpoint that keeps the darker notes from becoming monolithic. The draw, medium-open and effortless, allows the smoke to coat every surface of the palate, and the complexity peaks here, not in a cacophony but in a layered harmony that demands your full attention.
The final third is where the Salomon reveals its true character. The creaminess that opened the smoke recedes, replaced by a concentrated earthiness that feels like the cigar has finally stopped performing and started confessing. Dark chocolate and leather emerge, but they’re not sweet or supple—they’re dry, almost austere, with a woody spice that lingers on the finish like the memory of a campfire. The strength builds to a medium-full plateau, but it never tips into aggression; the balance holds through the final inch, leaving a cocoa powder and cedar residue that makes you want to smoke the band. This is a cigar that rewards patience, not just in the moment but in the way it evolves from a delicate opening to a robust close, all without losing its essential Dominican elegance.
In the context of Litto Gomez’s portfolio, the Salomon is a declaration that the Dominican puro can stand toe-to-toe with the most complex Nicaraguan blends. It’s not a cigar that shouts for attention; it earns it through precision. The construction is a marvel—the tapered foot channels cool smoke from the first light, the burn is even and deliberate, and the ash holds in firm, charcoal-grey columns that defy gravity. This is a cigar for the aficionado who understands that a figurado is not just a shape but a narrative device, and that the roller’s skill is as much a part of the flavor as the leaf itself. The Salomon is a benchmark, not just for LFD, but for what the Dominican Republic can achieve when craftsmanship and tobacco are given equal weight.
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?
You are a seasoned smoker who has spent years chasing the ghost of Cuban complexity in Nicaraguan blends, only to find yourself circling back to the Dominican Republic with a newfound respect. It’s a late Saturday afternoon, and you’ve just finished a long week of client calls that left you feeling like a hollowed-out cigar tube. You pour a glass of Barceló Imperial over a single large ice cube, settle into a leather chair on your porch, and pull out this Salomon. You’ve smoked LFD’s Ligero-laced monsters before, but you’re here for something different—a cigar that asks you to slow down and listen. You already appreciate the finesse of a Cuban Bolivar, but you want to see if the Dominican puro can deliver that same depth without the pepper bomb. This cigar will give you that answer, and it will do so over the course of 90 minutes that feel like a meditation. You’ll leave the session with a new reference point, and you’ll find yourself reaching for this Salomon whenever you need to remind yourself that complexity doesn’t always come with a nicotine kick.
Bottom Line
The La Flor Dominicana Salomon is a masterclass in figurado construction and Dominican puro balance—a cigar that evolves with grace and finishes with authority. It’s a must-smoke for any serious collector, and at this price, it’s a value that borders on theft.
Similar Cigars
Explore all La Flor Dominicana cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is La Flor Dominicana Salomon a strong cigar?
It’s rated Medium-Full (4/5), meaning it builds steadily from a gentle opening to a noticeable but not overpowering nicotine presence by the final third. You’ll feel a warm, satisfying buzz, but it never becomes harsh or aggressive, even for those who typically stick to medium-bodied smokes.
What does La Flor Dominicana Salomon taste like?
The first third offers creamy cedar, toasted almond, and subtle floral notes with a white pepper shimmer on the retrohale. The second third deepens into roasted espresso, dark caramel, seasoned oak, and threads of golden raisin and apricot. The final third delivers concentrated earth, dark chocolate, leather, and a woody spice, finishing with cocoa powder and cedar.
How long does La Flor Dominicana Salomon take to smoke?
Given its Salomon vitola and 7.5 x 57 dimensions, expect a 90–110 minute session. The tapered foot and bulging head require a slow, deliberate burn to fully appreciate the flavor evolution, so plan for at least an hour and a half of uninterrupted time.
What is the best pairing for La Flor Dominicana Salomon?
Aged rum like Barceló Imperial or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva is ideal—its caramel and dried fruit notes mirror the cigar’s second third, while the rum’s sweetness complements the oak and chocolate in the final third. Alternatively, a 15-year Glenfarclas single malt enhances the woody and cocoa layers without overpowering the floral nuances.
Is La Flor Dominicana Salomon good for beginners?
No, this is not a beginner cigar. The Medium-Full strength and 90+ minute smoking time require experience and patience. Additionally, the $18–$24 price point is a significant investment for someone still developing their palate. Beginners should start with milder, shorter cigars before tackling this Salomon.
Where can I buy La Flor Dominicana Salomon?
This premium, limited-production cigar is available at well-stocked brick-and-mortar tobacconists, particularly those with a strong Dominican selection. Online retailers like Cigar.com, Famous Smoke Shop, or Neptune Cigar often carry it, but due to limited production, you may need to check availability or sign up for restock alerts.
What is the price of La Flor Dominicana Salomon?
The La Flor Dominicana Salomon retails for $18–$24 per cigar, depending on your retailer and local taxes. This places it in the premium tier, reflecting its hand-rolled figurado construction and aged Dominican tobaccos.
Is La Flor Dominicana Salomon worth aging?
Yes, but with nuance. The tobaccos are already aged a minimum of 3 years before rolling, and the finished cigars are rested before release, so they’re ready to smoke upon purchase. However, the Dominican Corojo wrapper and balanced blend will benefit from 1–3 more years of humidor aging, which can further integrate the flavors and soften the pepper, allowing the dried fruit and cream notes to shine even more.
What wrapper does La Flor Dominicana Salomon use?
It uses a Dominican Corojo wrapper in a Colorado shade, which gives it a warm reddish-brown color and a silky, slightly oily sheen. This wrapper contributes subtle floral notes and a refined creaminess, while its natural sweetness balances the earthier filler tobaccos.
Where is La Flor Dominicana Salomon made?
It’s hand-rolled at La Flor Dominicana’s own factory in Santiago, Dominican Republic. The Salomon vitola requires exceptional roller skill due to its tapered foot and bulging perfecto head, and this is one of LFD’s flagship shapes, produced in limited quantities relative to their parejo offerings.