Dominican Santiago Selection DSS Numero Dos (No. 2)
République Dominicaine · Cazadores JLP
3 – 5 €
2.5 – 5 CHF
Notes & évaluations
Note de la rédaction
Note des amateurs
Soyez le premier
Organoleptic profile
Strength
mild
Balance
very good
Draw
perfect
Intensity
subtle
- Bouquet
- simple
- Finish
- medium
- Ash color
- gray
- Smoke output
- medium
Aroma profile
Dominant aromas
Tasting notes
The Dominican Santiago Selection DSS Numero Dos presents itself with a refined wrapper from Ecuador, accompanied by a smooth wrapper that embodies a beautiful quality of craftsmanship. Its format of 152.4 mm and a diameter of 17.1 mm make it a lovely corona, easy to handle. Upon picking it up, the texture is pleasant, promising a harmonious tasting experience.
From the moment it is lit, you will be charmed by the delicate pre-light aromas that emerge. The first puff reveals notes of vanilla and grass, blended with a subtle fragrance of toasted bread. This initial contact remains rather light, without real intensity, but it may appeal to fans of mild and accessible cigars.
On the palate, as the tasting progresses, there is a harmonious progression of flavors. The tastes remain primarily simple but reveal a certain complexity, with hints of honey and hazelnut blossoming through the thirds. However, a lack of evolution can be noted towards the middle, where the aromas may seem a bit too discreet.
The final sensation is marked by a medium finish and a residual sweetness that lingers. Although bitterness may make its appearance once the halfway point is reached, the balance between the sweet and slightly bitter notes is maintained, contributing to the coherence of this cigar. What makes it unique is its ability to appeal to smokers seeking a simple, unpretentious experience.
Ideal for a moment of relaxation at the end of the day, this cigar pairs perfectly with a light coffee or a brewed tea in a casual setting. Its sweet and accessible aromas make it the perfect choice for beginners, as well as for those wishing to share a convivial moment with friends.
Community impressions
Praised by enthusiasts, this cigar is appreciated for its smoothness and easy accessibility. Light cigar aficionados highlight its balanced profile, although it may lack complexity. Ideal for moments of sharing, it remains a recommended option for novices.
How to taste: Dominican Santiago Selection DSS Numero Dos (No. 2)
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1.The Visual Examination
The Dominican Santiago Selection DSS Numero Dos features an Ecuadorian wrapper of light brown to golden color, combining a natural appearance with a silky texture. The construction is very beautiful, and its Cazadores JLP format, with a length of 152.4 mm and a ring gauge of 43, gives it an elegant presence.
This initial visual impression allows for an assessment of the craftsmanship and anticipation of the upcoming tasting experience — a beautiful finish often signifies care and expertise.
2.Pre-Light Aromas
Even before lighting the cigar, the pre-light aromas reveal sweet notes of vanilla, accompanied by herbal accents and toasted bread. These initial olfactory impressions perfectly integrate into a seductive aromatic palette.
Anticipating these aromas prepares one for the future gustatory complexity — understanding the nuances at this stage can enrich the experience by appreciating the aromatic evolutions during the burn.
3.The Cut
The standard cut under the cap is executed with care, providing optimal access to the filler. A clean cut ensures an adequate opening for the draw, respecting the construction of the cigar.
A well-executed cut preserves the integrity of the cigar and ensures an easy draw — this avoids combustion issues that could detract from the overall experience.
4.The Cold Draw
When the cold draw is performed, it reveals itself to be perfect, allowing for smooth airflow through the cigar. This phase is crucial for assessing the resistance to inhalation.
An optimal draw signals a tasting experience without surprises, while a blocked draw might require adjustments — this step is a guarantee of comfort for the remainder of the experience.
5.Lighting
Lighting is done with care, taking the time to evenly toast the foot of the cigar. This attention to detail is essential to avoid an asymmetrical burn.
A correct lighting allows for starting the tasting on solid foundations — a poorly toasted foot can lead to inconveniences, necessitating corrections that are difficult to manage.
6.First Third
From the first puffs, the gentle strength of the Dominican Santiago is highlighted, accompanied by a medium volume of smoke. The dominant aromas of vanilla and toasted bread reveal themselves effectively.
This first third offers a glimpse into the intensity and flavors that will develop later — smoking slowly allows these aromas to balance and fully blossom.
7.Second Third
As the heat accumulates, secondary aromas such as honey and hazelnut emerge, adding extra complexity to the experience. The overall balance remains very good.
This moment is crucial for appreciating the additional nuances of the blend — the aromatic evolutions in this third enrich the tasting and reveal the mastery of the blend.
8.The Finish
The gray color of the ash indicates an even burn, while the finish leaves a sweet aftertaste with a slight bitterness. The finish is medium, offering a final reminder of the aromas.
This final step is indicative of the quality of the tobacco used and how it has been cured — a well-balanced finish leaves a lasting and memorable impression.