Today's cigar review menu offers up two smokes worthy of making your to-do list. The Coronado Double Corona from La Flor Dominicana is up first, and it's a definite winner. Capping things off will be the Casa Fuego Belicoso from J. Fuego, which also has some positive qualities to offer you, especially if you enjoy Nicaraguan puros.

La Flor Dominicana Coronado Double Corona

The Coronado line from La Flor Dominicana is one that has received plenty of praise from well-respected critics in the past. The brand's owner, Litto Gomez, has somewhat of a reputation for putting out bold cigars, and the Coronado is no different. Strap your cigar belts on, because you are about to be taken for a strong ride.

The Coronado measures 7 x 50 in its Double Corona size. The line is also offered in four other sizes: the 5 3/4x 47 Corona Especial, the 6 x 52 Toro, the 7 x 54 Double Toro, and the 7 x 60 Corona Gorda. The cigar's filler is a combination of Dominican Piloto Cubano and Dominican Sumatra tobaccos. The binder is also Dominican and of the Corojo variety. The ingredients for both the filler and binder are grown at la Flor Dominicana's farm in La Canela, Dominican Republic. Finishing off the cigar is a Nicaraguan Habano Sungrown wrapper. The Coronado is said to be a stronger cigar that falls into the full-bodied category.

The Coronado Double Corona is a very inviting cigar thanks to its Sungrown wrapper that gives it a unique reddish tint. There are a few thin veins throughout its body, and it has quite a bit of an oily sheen when put under light. A large band near the head adds to the look of the stick, and it features some type of a wild cat (tiger or leopard maybe) with a crown on its head. The brand's name and the Corona moniker are also on the band, and it has a red and gold color scheme that blend in nicely with the wrapper. The cigar feels firm to the touch, and it seems to have a scent and cold taste of earth.

When it is finally put into action, the Coronado Double Corona is a mixed bag in the burn department. It does seem to stay even on its own throughout the smoke. It does need to be -re-lit every now and then, however, so you might want to keep a lighter or some matches handy. The draw is good. The ash is not the greatest, and is a bit soft or loose.