The past year has been exciting for fans of La Flor Dominicana. Between El Museo and the Salamones, Litto Gomez has released two of the most noteworthy cigars of 2009. While the rest of the industry has struggled with the effects of the recession, Gomez tells me that La Flor hasn't been hit (and that he is grateful for this fact). He cites the quality of his cigars and loyalty of his customers as reasons, but there's more to the story than that. There are plenty of great cigars on the market, and their smokers bring plenty of zeal to each purchase.

Beyond Litto's assessment, there are two reasons for La Flor's success this year: the new cigars and Litto himself.

This year hasn't been mind-blowing for new cigars. Doubtless, there have been some gems. The Avo Campanero certainly impresed, as Avo's annual limited edition cigar always does. And, Camacho has done a great job with the Room 101 and Connecticut sticks. The norm, however, has been silence, an obvious result in a tough economy. Litto made two bold moves with El Museo and the Salamon, bringing two expensive cigars to smokers at a time when they are less inclined to spend. Clearly, it worked.

A bit ahead of the official tour, New York tobacconist De La Concha hosted an in-store dinner to celebrate the Avo Campanero. More than 20 guests filled the Sixth Ave. store to smoke, dine and savor the cigar legend's latest creation.

The dinner began promptly at 8 PM on March 19, 2009, with more than a dozen customers waiting on the sidewalk long before that. As the doors opened, they filed in, claimed the prized stick and began to smoke one of the most highly anticipated cigars of the year. According to Davidoff New York Sales Manager Brad Hammond, the Campanero is Avo's best limited edition cigar in the past three years – since the Avo 80, released in 2006. This claim was confirmed within the first two inches.

The robust cigar is not for novices of the leaf and would be preferred by experienced smokers. It consists of a Cuban seed, sun-grown Ecuadorian wrapper and Dominican binder. The filler is a blend of six different leaves, one of which is Peruvian. The Avo Campanero is incredibly well constructed, burns evenly and delivers a rich, powerful flavor.

Planning to be in Manhattan on March 19, 2009? Check out the Avo Companero cigar dinner at De La Concha at 8 PM. The Copmpanero, new this year, is a limited edition product and will be the featured stick of the evening. This and several other cigars will be served with a three-course meal from Manhattan restaurant Rue 57 and an open bar. At $145, this is a pretty good deal (I'm speaking from experience).

The De La Concha in-store cigar dinners began because of New York smoking restrictions. Since restaurants and bars can no longer allow us to light up, this Mid-Town retailer periodically hosts up to 30 guests with a catered meal and a small live band. At each event, a particular brand is featured. Past cigars have included: Ashton, Don Pepin Garcia and Davidoff Millennium.

Tickets are available now at De La Concha.

Any cigar events coming up at your local shop or lounge? Let me know at tom.johansmeyer[at]weblogsinc.com.

[Photo by Steve Zak]