Initial Thoughts
According to the La Flor Dominicana website, the idea for the LG Diez originated in 1999. The idea was for the LFD Company to grow all of the tobacco, including the wrapper, which was used in this cigar. So not only would it be a Dominican Puro, it would be the product of a single farm as well. Litto soon found this to be a lengthy and expensive undertaking. However, he saw the process through and was able to release this cigar three years later.
The Litto Gomez Diez Chisel contains two things that are unique: it is a Dominican Puro that contains tobacco grown exclusively by La Flor Dominicana and has the LFD Chisel tip, created by Mr. Gomez himself. Another thing that LFD has become known for is how strong some of their cigars are. The reputation of the Diez is that it is one of the strongest cigars they make. We will see about that!
I picked this one up at my local shop. They recommended the chisel, saying it was the best vitola they carried. I was hesitant to do so because I have not had the best experiences with the chisel tip. But, I decided to give it another shot.
Looks
The Litto Gomez Diez Chisel is an interesting looking cigar. The stick itself is quite rugged, with quite a few veins and visible seams. The wrapper is a light brown, almost khaki color. The chisel tip is very nicely done and comes to a perfect straight edge across the top. Looking at the foot, some of the filler appears to be loosely rolled.
As rugged as the stick looks, the band looks the opposite. It has a very regal appearance, with gold design and print against a rich red of different hues throughout the band. The band does include the “Dominican Puro” designation along the side.
Function
Considering that this is a figurado, I am not surprised to discover that the Litto Gomez Diez Chisel is a bit squishy when squeezed. On top of that, there is a soft (er) spot under the band. With the veins and seams, it feels a bit bumpy.
Giving the foot a little sniff, I am greeted with aromas of caramel and molasses. Very nice! The barrel has the same aromas plus a hint of grass. This has certainly peaked my interest!
In the past, I’ve tried different cuts on chisel tips; straight cut, angled cut, and double punch. I’ve always heard that simply popping the top open is the best way to smoke them. I decided to give it a try. The airflow is a little tight. I get some earth, grass, and molasses, as well as a bitter taste from the wrapper. The bitterness is prominent but not overwhelming.
Smoking
Since it wasn’t windy that night, I went with two matches to light the Litto Gomez Diez Chisel. I did have to use my torch lighter to even out the light. During each third, I have to give it a touch up as it starts to run. It seems like one side just doesn’t want to burn like the other sides. Needless to say, the burn is uneven throughout the cigar. In the last third, it does go out and a relight is required.
The draw starts out a little tight at first. However, I decide to massage the tip (ba dum), squeezing it a bit to loosen the tobacco. This works pretty well. The only issue is, I have to do about every 10 minutes to keep the draw open.
Much like the stick itself, the ash is not that pretty either. It is quite flaky, yet, still held on for almost an inch at a time. With the roll feeling a bit loose, I was not surprised by this. But, this didn’t seem to make the cigar burn faster than normal. I’ll take that trade off any day!
Flavor
I can’t say I’ve been very impressed with the looks or burn on the Litto Gomez Diez Chisel, but was very enticed by the aromas it presented. The hope is that some of those will come out in the actual smoke. Let’s find out!
From the start, there is a spicy white pepper note at the forefront. Soon, molasses, cocoa, and savory notes develop as well. As the first third ends, there is some nuttiness that joins the party.
In the second third, the white pepper becomes a little more floral, especially on the retrohale. With that comes wood, earth, and nuts. Then it goes through different phases, tasting a tad minty, then nutty and woody, and then peppery and savory. A lot of transition going on in the second third!
The final third is also a smorgasbord of flavor. It has savory, white pepper, nut, mint, salt, and earth notes throughout the entire section. All are well balanced and take turns at center stage, which is unusual. I must say I rather enjoyed the complexity.
Though this is billed as a full strength and flavored cigar, I found it to be more medium-full in both regards. I can see where some may say it is strong, but I felt like it was just on the verge but didn’t quite reach the pinnacle. Smoke time was just under 2 hours.
Would I Buy It Again?
Yes, but maybe not the Chisel.
Is It An Everyday Smoke?
Flavor-wise, yes. I would say the price would keep me from making a daily smoke.
Would I Buy a Box?
Yes, but of a different vitola.
Conclusion
The Litto Gomez Diez Chisel is certainly a delicious cigar with plenty of flavor and punch. I was certainly surprised with the level of complexity it had and really enjoyed all the flavors it presented. My complaints are that it had burn issues and the chisel tip required frequent opening in order to maintain a good draw. Otherwise, this cigar is a real winner in my book!
If you are looking for something to deliver loads of flavor, check out the LG Diez. Personally, I would prefer a different vitola, but I am just not a fan of figurados. If you are, give the Chisel a go!
