Justin Sandlin, the newest member
of the Dallas/Fort Worth Sales Team

Introduced to the market in late 1997, the new cigar was a terrific success. Limited to production of one hundred and fifty cigars a day due to its unique character, the El Jocko Natural remains the highest-selling shape.

With the increasing demand for fuller-bodied cigars, at the RTDA (Retail Tobacco Dealers Association) in 2002, Litto introduced the Ligero line. Available at the show only in the torpedo size for a single production, the response was overwhelming. Litto was amazed at the number of boxes ordered. Unfortunately, he does not plan to produce more. The Ligero line was continued in only three sizes for regular production, the L300, L400 and L500. Each cigar is 5¾ inches long with 50, 54 and 60 ring gauges, respectively.

In his never ending drive to create another full-bodied premium cigar, Litto again developed the Double Ligero line, beginning with the Chisel in 2003. This cigar is the first of its kind with a slightly pirámide shape and a flat head, resembling a pipe stem. In a Cigar Aficionado interview in April 2003, Litto was quoted, "This way it goes into the mouth in a perfect way, very comfortable. I think it even fits better than a torpedo or a pyramid. It also allows you to smoke a big ring gauge cigar without filling your mouth. After I made it and I smoked it, I discovered the way that it distributes smoke into your palate is fantastic." (continued...)

n the earlier days, La Flor Dominicana was known for its milder, medium flavored cigars—the six sizes of the Premium line being the first blend of Connecticut shade wrapper with a Dominican binder and filler. Several years resulted in three more lines, Reserva Especial, Grand Maduro and the 2000 series. Quoting Jack Sandlin, National Sales Manager, "the blend I smoke most often is the 2000 Series; it has a Cameroon wrapper with a little Nicaraguan filler added for spice ... medium bodied and goes well with a cup of coffee in the morning or a cocktail after a hard day of selling cigars."

Not one to be satisfied with the "common" style, Litto was motivated to create something new and exciting. Litto was so infatuated with his ideas he visited a machine shop to tool a piece of wood in the shape he had in mind. Afterwards, he worked with his team to create the molds, which took several months to accomplish. Approaching the rollers with this new mold, he was first met with resistance; however, after a few more months and a small prototype production, the El Jocko became a reality.