I have to apologize for dropping the ball again last week, loyal Stogie Review readers. I’ve just be overwhelmed with work and everything lately, but alas, here I am back this week with a video that I think you’ll all enjoy, and rest assured that I have a few more in the pipeline for the coming weeks.
A while back, the folks at Dona Flor USA contacted me to see if I’d be interested in checking out a few samples for a possible review. Apparently, they had recently gone through a bit of a reorganization (it’s a long story, from what I can tell) and were in the midset of a sort-of reintroduction back into the US market. I hadn’t had much experience with these Brazilian cigars, so I figured this was an excellent opportunity to explore their offerings. Among the cigars in the sampler pack I received was the Puro Mata Fina, which, as its name suggests, consists entirely of Brazilian Mata Fina tobacco. Based on looks alone, it was very tempting sitting there in my office humidor, so as soon as I had a chance to head outdoors for a smoke, I reached for the Dona Flor Puro Mata Fina without hesitation.
Dona Flor Puro Mata Fina by the numbers:
Vitola: robusto
Size: 5×52
Wrapper: Brazilian Mata Fina
Binder: Brazilian Mata Fina
Filler: Brazilian Mata Fina
Strength: Medium
Manufacturer: Menendez Amerino in Bahia, Brazil
No. smoked for review: 1 (first impressions)
Duration: 75 minutes
Source: review sample
MSRP: $7.20 ($180 per box of 25)
Website: donaflorusa.com
Twitter: @BrazilianCigars
Facebook: Dona Flor (Brazilian Cigars)
So what did the Dona Flor Puro Mata Fina have in store for me? Watch the video to find out…
(Video length: 9:01)
Soundtrack: “Wayo Wayo-Summer Edition” by wellman http://ccmixter.org/files/wellman/22358
is licensed under a Creative Commons license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Make no mistake, the Dona Flor Puro Mata Fina impressed me in every way. I’ve never tasted coconut before in a cigar, but that flavor came through so distinctly and so deliciously in this stick that I’ll definitely be coming back for more. As I described in the video, I could have sworn that I was eating a milk chocolate-dipped coconut candy bar while smoking the Puro Mata Fina. The burn, draw, smoke, and ash were all terrific as well making this a fantastic overall smoke. I’ll be picking up more of these as soon as I can find them in a shop, and I recommend you do the same.
“milk chocolate-dipped coconut candy bar” -sounds like the cigar equivalent of a “Bounty” chocolate bar. 😉
You’re absolutely right! I’ve actually had a Bounty bar when I was in Europe.
Sounds like a wonderful cigar, but I just gotta say . . . Brazil nut, Charlie?
What? You prefer filberts?
I’ve gotta say I’ve had some sticks with the Mata Fina in it before and I did like the profile that I got. I’m not sure about a Puro even though you make it sound delicious. Did they indicate when these might be hitting retailers in the US or where they might be available?
I think they’re available now, Eric. Check out their list of retailers here: http://donaflorusa.com/dealer-locations/
Of course, not available in TN :/ Thanks for the heads up though!
autum background smoked Brazilian tobacco good job mann………..
Sounds fantastic. I have the Selecao blend sitting in my humidor. I will need to try that Puro blend though. Thanks for the review Charlie.
Thanks for the great review, Charlie…glad you enjoyed the Puro. We are working hard to bring Dona Flors to all parts of the country. If you would like to see them in your local shop let them know and drop us a line at sales@donaflorusa.com and let us know what and where your local shop is, and well contact them. It’s been a labor of love to reintroduce these unique cigars to the states, and we hope we’ll have them in shops nationwide asap. We enjoy the strong relationships we’re establishing with brick and mortar premium shops, and we strive to give them great service and support so we’ll be around for a long time to come. If you can’t find them near you yet, you can call us direct and we’ll retail them to you until we have retailers in your area. Tel. 877-321-5569
Curtis Pearson, Sales Director, Dona Flor USA