Dona Flor Robusto

{by Wynne Hunkler, cigar enthusiast}

Shape: Robusto
Wrapper: (Capa) Connecticut
Binder: Brazilian
Filler: Brazilian
Suggested Retail: $8-9.00

Visiting one of my favorite tobacconists this afternoon, I was presented this new brand of cigar. Popular with European cigar smokers, I was told these cigars are being introduced to the United States market. The Divisional Sales Manager had been by the shop the previous week making his route though the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. “The name Dona Flor was inspired by the main character of the book Dona Flor e seus dois maridos, an homage of the president of Menendez & Amerino, Mario Marino Portugal, to his friend and book writer, Jorge Amado.”

The Dona Flor brand is a Brazilian cigar available in six sizes (Pirámide, Double Corona, Churchill Corona, Robusto and Petite Corona) and two wrapper shades (Capa Connecticut and Mata Fina). I was handed a Connecticut Robusto to sample.

After removing the cellophane, initial inspection of the wrapper revealed a colorado claro shade with a rather rough and veiny exterior. The sample cigar also contained two or three of what appeared to be “water spots”.

Clipping the head and torching the foot, I found an initial mild hint of spice, which quickly disappeared and was replaced by a unique, unidentifiable, not unpleasant flavor, which I identified with the Brazilian tobaccos I seldom smoke.

The cigar was rather soft between my fingers, which I understand is an intended characteristic of this brand. However, the draw was fully open, allowing me to extract thick clouds of heavy white-gray smoke. After smoking about one third of this cigar, the flavors became smoother with barely any noticeable spice. The remainder of the smoke was rather one dimensional with a tart finish.

With a suggested retail price between $8-9.00 for a robusto cigar, I suspect the Dona Flor may have some challenges ahead. Proving itself in a market with the many well-established brands available in the same (and lesser) price range can be a daunting task for any manufacturer.