Litto Gomez Small Batch 3

Today's review is of the new Litto Gomez Small Batch 3. The Small Batch line from La Flor Dominicana is one of the more sought after cigars that Litto makes, and if you hadn't guessed by the name, this is the third release in the Small Batch line. This Dominican Puro uses tobacco from 2004 that was grown on La Flor's farm in La Canela. This is a large cigar, measuring in at 6 3/4 X 52, but somehow it seems even bigger than that in your hand. 

This Small Batch 3 is one of the most attractive cigars I have seen in a while. The wrapper is a dark, mottled brown color with a red hue to it and has to be one of the oiliest cigars I have come across. The roll seems very even and it is finished off with a rather flat looking cap. The draw is really nice with an interesting flavor of dried fruit, leather and a touch of spice. If it tastes this good before lighting it, I know I am in for a treat. This cigar doesn't waste anytime getting going after lighting, it starts out with a rush of leather, tongue tingling spice and a wonderful dried cherry/raisin flavor (so very similar to what I got on the pre light draw, but more intense). This is a very full flavored cigar and is going to pack quite the punch if past experiences with Litto's cigars are any indication. The spiciness on the tongue fades away after the first half inch, but is still very apparent on the retrohale. If you aren't very experienced with retrohaling (passing some of the smoke through your sinuses) I would advise against attempting it with this cigar, it's pretty intense through the nose. The burn has been pretty strait and the ash is holding strong at about an inch and a half. Litto's cigars have a very distinct room aroma, and this one smells fantastic. More flavors keep showing up the further I get into this SB 3, plenty of espresso, some dark chocolate and a deeper leather flavor.

The smoke is very thick and chewy, and coats the palate very nicely. The wrapper leaves a really savory taste on the lips. At the halfway point I have to come out and say it, I am enjoying the hell out of this cigar! The strength is picking up but it isn't overpowering any of the great flavors coming out of this cigar. There is some sweetness to this smoke as well, which is balancing out the savoriness of this cigar. Retrohaling at this point is just a little too intense for me. Getting into the final third of this cigar delivers more of the same rich flavors with plenty of kick behind them.  This would pair really well with a nice rum.

The Litto Gomez Small Batch 3 was a great cigar! I smoked the Small Batch 2 a few months ago and was really excited when the 3 was released, and the 3 definitely lives up to the reputation of the other Small batch releases. This is a very rich, full bodied cigar that is definitely not for beginner smokers. It is a powerful, complex cigar that delivers a plethora of flavors that will get even better the longer these sit. This cigar has some major aging potential and I would like to get my hands on a few more. The problem is that these are so good now that I know they wouldn't last long in my humidor. This isn't a cheap cigar at $17 a piece but It is worth every penny. These come in boxes of 105 cigars, so picking up a box isn't very realistic for most people, but if you can get a few of these you won't be disappointed. This is one of those cigars that you really need to smoke on a full stomach because they pack quite a punch, but thankfully the strength never overpowers the great flavors.