It’s Election Day in the U.S., which gives us the opportunity to celebrate two great things: democracy, and an end to the most obnoxious campaign commercials I think we’ve ever seen. Baritone voiceovers saying stuff like “Senator X eats small children for breakfast…” (Cue grainy black and white picture of Senator X at a lunch counter.) “And Senator X is hungry…” But despite the political division that exists in this country, there is something we can all agree on: we’re glad the electioneering is OVER!

Surviving the midterm elections calls for a honkin’ big stogie, so I hauled out a Pueblo Dominicano. Like the last four or five cigars reviewed here, this also is a La Aurora production. Available in two sizes: a large torpedo, and a giant double corona. I happen to have both on hand, although the torpedoes have several more months humidor time and I think are a little bit better. Whether it’s the size or the aging that gives them the edge, I’m not sure.

A new series of Pueblo Dominicano has just been introduced with an entirely new blend, so it’s important to note that these are from the first series. There isn’t too much information available about these. They are distributed by Cigars International, and perhaps a few other outlets. They don’t appear to be exclusive to CI, as is the 5 Vegas Limitada, but they do have this in common with the Limitada: a very nice but somewhat rough Ecuadorian Sun Grown wrapper. Aside from this, the only information forthcoming from CI is that it employs a “six country blend.” Which countries? Ireland maybe? New Guinea? Luxembourg? Take your pick, because no one’s telling.

The PD Series I is a pretty mild but flavorful smoke. The wrapper is very similar to the 5 Vegas Limitada, which isn’t too surprising since it’s the same type of leaf. (It actually wouldn’t surprise me if this were the same blend as the 2005 Limitada as well. There are more than a few similarities.) It’s not a tremendously attractive wrapper, but the tale is in the tasting, and it tastes pretty good. There’s some sweetness here with just a touch of spice. The draw is good, and the burn is not perfect, but acceptable.

The base flavor is leathery, and there are some overtones of cedar. As time goes by this stick picks up a little more strength, but it’s basically mild and perhaps at its peak a medium in body. The smoke texture is smooth, approaching creamy. Overall this is a very relaxing and easygoing cigar.

The band on the Pueblo Dominicano has a faux watermark pattern reminiscent of the secondary authenticity band on the Padron Anniversary line, complete with a “serial number,” here called a batch number. It’s a funny thing though that the batch number on the torpedoes I bought last April is the same as the same batch number on the double coronas I bought in October. That’s either a very large batch, or it’s a mystery worth pondering before the fire with a glass of cognac and the latest issue of Advertising Age.

With 95% of precincts reporting, we are prepared to announce Pueblo Dominicano a winner in today’s race. But don’t pay the $8.00 retail price for this guy. These can be found for half this or less on Cigarbid. Good luck bidding and God Bless America!