The LFD Reserva Especial Robusto is La Flor Dominicana's answer to the mild Connecticut — the brand markets it as "Connecticut with character," and that is exactly what it is. A silky Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper covers a Dominican binder and Dominican Piloto Cubano filler, both grown on LFD's own farm, giving the blend far more grip and depth than the shade-grown category usually offers. In a 5 x 48 Robusto, it drinks medium-bodied and stays interesting the whole way.
Cashew-like nuttiness opens the cigar, followed by caramel and molasses sweetness over a cedary, woodsy base. Cinnamon and licorice add complexity through the middle, leather and red pepper show up on the retrohale, and citrus and cola-nut notes carry the finish out smooth.
This is the unchanged blend of El Jocko, the cigar that made La Flor Dominicana famous nearly two decades ago, revived with new packaging and sizes to a warm reception at the 2016 IPCPR show. It makes a superb morning or midday smoke alongside coffee, and an equally good introduction for anyone who thinks Connecticut wrappers are boring. Keep a handful of these Robustos in the rotation and see for yourself.
