Cigar Review: Bella Dama Cigars King Toro – Rated 96

Sometimes, premium cigar brands move manufacturing from one factory to another for a variety of reasons. But in most all cases the move is one that makes sense for the brand owner. So is the case for Bella Dama Cigars, a small woman-owned premium cigar that I have talked about for a couple of years. In 2024, Bella Dama Cigars owner – Chantel Leavitt – wanted more input and a better price point to head into wholesale.

Chantel Explained:

“I switched factories in 2024. When I first started I didn’t have any direct factory connects. Two years in, factories were approaching me. I sampled with several factories before making a decision. I wanted to keep my initial 6 blends as close as possible, but elevate them. Tobacalera Aragon was the only one that smoked, dissected each cigar and really took their time blending. They sent me back sample blends and they hit the mark!”

With respect to the Bella Dama King blend, which is the subject of this review, Chantel rolled up her sleeves and went back to the drawing board twice with the King and then a 3rd time. The King was her first release and in homage to her father it needed to be on point in what she would want the King to represent—bold, unapologetic, and a winner.

Before diving into the review, I can say the revamped Bella Dama King is an excellent redo of the original.

Blend Information

Wrapper: Habano
Binder: Condega
Filler: Ometepe

The Bella Dama Cigars King is offered in a single 6 x 54 Toro vitola and comes packaged in 20-count boxes with an MSRP of $15.00 per cigar.

I revisited the original 2023 review and noted a lighter Habano wrapper in this release. The closed foot and pigtail cap have been eliminated. Ultimately, what matters most is flavor and burn performance.

Pre-Light Examination

The Bella Dama Cigars King is wrapped in a smooth reddish-brown leaf with a light sheen and minimal veins. The cigar feels well-packed with just the right amount of give along the barrel. Construction is completed with a well-applied cap.

Unlike the original version, the company now uses a single band of higher-quality paper. The logo is centered, with the word “King” printed in red at the bottom.

Running the cigar along the nose reveals notes of butter and cocoa from the foot and curing barn leaf from the barrel.

A straight cut across the shoulder opens a cold draw offering buttered popcorn notes, with a mild pepper tingle developing the more you puff.

After toasting the foot with a dual-flame torch, the first puffs are smooth and approachable.

Cigar Review Notes

• Initial puffs are smooth and easy, especially on the first retrohale

• Mild fruity tang notes quickly join the profile

• A pleasant natural sweetness emerges

• Bright white ash forms over a thick char line

• Cream notes pair with the persistent fruit essence

• Moving into the second third, café mocha notes develop

• A touch of cedar appears around the midway point

• Increased sweetness and mild spice build deeper into the second third

• Strength gradually rises to medium-full

• Spice intensifies through the final third

• Total Smoking Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Final Analysis

The Bella Dama Cigars King revamp is a significantly improved offering over the original. It presents an elegant, steadily evolving profile—starting with smooth, clean puffs and a refined retrohale before introducing fruity tang, natural sweetness, cream, café mocha, cedar, and a progressively rising spice.

Transitions are deliberate and seamless, giving the cigar a cohesive rhythm from first light to final ash. The measured progression from mild-medium to medium-full is well executed and enhances complexity without sacrificing balance.

Construction is a notable strength: bright white ash, consistent burn, and steady smoke output signal strong craftsmanship. The flavor balance, interplay of sweetness and spice, and overall smoothness make this an excellent premium option—especially for those who appreciate finesse over brute strength. This cigar is absolutely a box-worthy purchase.

Point Deductions:
(-1) Mild off-burn (no touch-up required)

Bonus Points:
(+1) Box Buy
(+1) Long Ash
(+1) Well Balanced & Rounded Profile

by Edson