Ratings & reviews
Editorial score
Community score
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Organoleptic profile
Strength
mild
Balance
very good
Draw
easy
Intensity
expressive
- Bouquet
- complex
- Finish
- medium
- Ash color
- gray
- Smoke output
- medium
Aroma profile
Dominant aromas
Tasting notes
The Dominican Santiago Selection DSS Churchill, with its length of 177.8 mm (7") and diameter of 19.1 mm (¾"), offers a silky Ecuadorian wrapper that immediately catches the eye. Its well-structured wrapper presents a velvety texture to the touch, promising a pleasant smoking experience. The overall presentation of this cigar reveals exemplary craftsmanship, enhanced by brilliant nuances.
From the first draw, a complex aromatic palette unfolds. Pre-light aromas reveal notes of nuts and a beautiful subtlety of chocolate. Upon lighting, these aromas become even richer, with the emergence of coffee nuances, creating a promising and engaging prelude. The initial evolutions introduce a hint of cream, offering a delightful sweetness to the blend.
On the palate, the progression of flavors unfolds elegantly through the three thirds. The first third highlights nut and cream aromas, while the second reveals tones of chocolate and coffee, bringing remarkable complexity. Consistency is maintained throughout the smoking experience, allowing the smoker to discover a flavorful journey without overwhelming the senses.
In the finish, a soft and velvety sensation lingers, accompanied by a slight salivation. The finish is medium, making this scientific creation stand out with a very successful balance of strength and sweetness. What makes the DSS Churchill a wonderful discovery is its ability to be both accessible and rich, appealing to both novices and experienced enthusiasts.
To fully enjoy this cigar, choose a moment of relaxation in the early evening accompanied by a coffee or a sweet liqueur, which will highlight the richness of the aromas of this cigar.
Community impressions
Cigar enthusiasts highlight this cigar's excellent value for money and its great aromatic diversity. Although its mild strength may confuse some, many appreciate its elegant flavors of nuts and chocolate. It is a recommended choice for those seeking a generous smoking experience without pretension.
How to taste: Dominican Santiago Selection DSS Churchill
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1.The Visual Examination
The Dominican Santiago Selection DSS Churchill, with its light brown to golden natural wrapper, stands out for its silky appearance and impeccable construction. This straight format of 177.8 mm (7") and a ring gauge of 48 make it an elegant and imposing cigar, ready to be enjoyed.
This initial observation allows for an assessment of the tobacco quality and its preparation — a uniform appearance is often indicative of the aromatic richness to come.
2.Pre-light Aromas
Before lighting, smelling the cigar reveals aromas of nuts, chocolate, and coffee, accompanied by hints of cream and spices. These scents prepare the palate for the tasting experience that will follow.
Anticipating the pre-light aromas helps to refine attention during the tasting, offering a glimpse of the flavors to come while remaining true to the raw nature of the tobacco.
3.The Cut
The standard straight cut is an essential gesture to release the aromas of the Dominican Santiago. With precision, making a cut just below the cap ensures an optimal draw.
A well-executed cut is crucial to avoid discomfort during the tasting — a blocked draw can compromise the experience.
4.Cold Draw
Performing the cold draw reveals a notable ease, indicating good construction. This simple yet crucial step reveals proper aeration of the cigar.
An easy draw signals a tasting experience without surprises, while a difficult draw may require adjustments to avoid uneven burn.
5.Lighting
Taking care to light the foot of the cigar evenly ensures harmonious combustion. Special attention during this step is essential to avoid canoeing.
Balanced combustion from the start prevents the need to correct issues during the tasting, allowing for full enjoyment of the developing aromas.
6.First Third
From the first puffs, the sweetness of the Dominican Santiago manifests, with dominant aromas of nuts, chocolate, and coffee. The smoke volume is medium, promoting a pleasant tasting experience.
This first third, often more robust, provides a glimpse of the aromatic richness while inviting slow smoking to fully appreciate the balance of the cigar.
7.Second Third
As one progresses through the cigar, secondary aromas of cream and spices begin to reveal themselves, completing the tasting experience. The balance remains very good, allowing for a beautiful harmony between the different flavors.
This evolution enriches the tasting, allowing for the discovery of the complexity of the blend while maintaining a smooth and enjoyable experience.
8.The Finish
The gray ash testifies to the minerality of the tobacco, while the finish is characterized by a residual sweetness and slight salivation. The finish is medium, leaving a pleasant impression.
Analyzing the finish allows for a judgment of the quality of the leaf drying and the complexity of the blend, thus revealing the craftsmanship of each cigar.