A.J. Fernandez San Lotano Oval

A.J. Fernandez San Lotano Oval

Fatal Halo Rating

A+

Dimensions: 6.5” x 54 (oval-shaped box press)

Price:  $11.00

Burn Time:  2.5 hrs.

Wrapper: Habano 2000 (aged 4 years)

Binder: Nicaraguan

Tobacco: Nicaraguan & Honduran

Purchased at:  Montecristo House of Cigar (Powell, Ohio – www.houseofcigar.net)

I was interested in trying this cigar after seeing it ranked #2 on Cigar Journal’s Top 25 of 2011 and also because of its unique shape which can really only be described as an "oval-shaped box press".  Quite an amazing look.  The buzz around the smoke shop was also pretty high about this one in particular and the only deterrent for me from trying one sooner was its price tag – but I eventually had to give in and see if this one smoked as good as it looked.

Pre-Smoke Analysis

The shape itself is pretty amazing, but the wrapper is very smooth and silky to the touch.  It is a firm cigar with very few (if any) noticeable soft spots.  The head seems to be double-capped – and they do look a little flimsy, so I’m hoping the clip won’t cause the wrapper to unravel.  I also found that the wrapper has a split leaf about half-way up on the stick.  Not sure if that’s my handling that caused that or the cigar shop’s, but I’m hoping that won’t cause too much trouble after lighting.  The aroma off the wrapper is very mellow and smooth – kind of leathery and earthy, but just subtle enough that I can’t pick up on any specifics.

The First Third

I clipped the cap very slightly so as not to cause any unraveling and it took just a pinch to get the proper level on it.  The dry draw pulled very smoothly and easily, so I went ahead and torched it up.  I could tell right away by how quickly the foot took the flame that the reason for the cracked leaf wasn’t in the handling at all, but because the cigar was a little dry.  Regardless, the first pull of smoke after toasting the foot was surprisingly mellow and at precisely the right strength that I can really enjoy the flavors!  Thick, billowing white clouds of smoke rise out of this bad boy with each puff – but it is not at all overpowering.  I cannot yet tell if the cracked wrapper is affecting the smoke at all as it feels I am pulling in more air on the draw than I should be, but the cigar is burning evenly, so I do not see any issues yet.  Perhaps there might be in the second third when the cherry hits that segment.

Still hard to describe in terms of flavor, this cigar certainly has a refined, aged aroma to it.  For the amount of flavor it does have, I would expect it to be much more potent and full-bodied, but it is very mellow with just the right amount of spice and pepper to linger on the palate. I have never had a cigar quite like this one before, but if it is true that that majority of the flavor of a cigar is found in the wrapper, their Habano 2000 selection is right on the money.  I am making sure to handle the cigar delicately when smoking it and using my free had to hold the broken wrapper in place while taking my draws to be sure that it stays intact until I burn past that point.

The Second Third

Burned right down to the cracked wrapper, and although there was some minor flaking, the cigar corrected itself very quickly all on its own and didn’t lose a hint of flavor or compromise the burn!  I’m actually incredibly impressed as I was expecting a much more dramatic issue to arise – but no.  The cigar remains a consistent medium-body and the flavors begin to betray a bit of a cedar taste.  It is still producing large billows of white smoke but remaining as mellow as first light.  This cigar is a bit of an oddity, but one I’m actually marveling at!  I’m really enjoying what I think may actually be a masterpiece rivaling (or at least equaling) the Jaime Garcia Reserva Especial!

Burning Out

I had to manually correct the burn a couple of times once I burned down this far, but it didn’t detract from the enjoyable experience of smoking this cigar.  The flavors kicked up a bit at the end with a little more spice and pepper, but the consistent mellowness of the cigar up until this point really eases you into it gently and allows you to enjoy the subtle nuances that await.  I tend to appreciate cigars that have more complexity to them, but in this case, the balance was perfect from the first draw and I was really glad it remained as consistent as it did.

Final Thoughts

This cigar has certainly become one of my new favorites.  From the unique shape and flawless construction to the buttery flavor and aroma, the San Lotano is an absolutely exquisite cigar that I think experienced smokers and newbies alike will appreciate.  Initially, I was hesitant to buy one because of the price tag, but after researching more about the components used to construct it and the experience of smoking it, the Oval is worth every penny.  It most certainly deserves it’s #2 spot on the top 25 cigars of 2011 and I am looking forward to my next one.

Liked It?:  Profoundly.

Buy It Again?:  Without question.  I may even buy a few to share with others!

Recommend It?:  100%.

Pairing(s):  Magic Hat’s “Howl (Black as Night Lager)”.  Has a real distinct malted-chocolate flavor that really compliments the cigar.  I could also see myself enjoying a nice Irish coffee with this cigar as well.  May have to try that next time just to be sure!



Cain Daytona Torpedo

Cain Daytona

Fatal Halo Rating

C

Dimensions: 6” x 54 (Torpedo)

Price:  $8.00

Burn Time: 

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano

Binder: Nicaraguan

Tobacco: Nicaraguan Long-filler Ligero

Purchased at:  Montecristo House of Cigar (Powell, Ohio – www.houseofcigar.net)

I read that this cigar was on Cigar Journal’s Top 25 list, so I figured I’d give it a shot and see what it was all about.  Cigars by Olivia have never really been exceptional in my experience, but knowing that each blend has different characteristics and nuances, I’m certainly not going to pass up an opportunity to explore further – and being that this cigar rated pretty high among the others, I’m interested to see what it has to offer.  Noted as a more “mild” smoke than others in its brand, it may provide just the cut off the top I’m looking for.

Pre-Smoke Analysis

The wrapper itself is almost seamlessly rolled – looks as if it were rolled from a single leaf with no seams or breaks anywhere to be seen.  Very nice job.  The Habano wrapper itself is a little veiny, but doesn’t feel that way when I run my fingers along it. Very smooth and delicate.  The aroma coming off of the wrapper is exquisite.  Very aromatic.  It has a sweet yet earthy aroma to it that is very pleasing indeed.  The tightly bunched tobacco at the foot looks like the cross section of a fallen tree and I’m tempted just for a moment to count the rings as if that will be any prediction as for what’s in store!  The strengthened aroma coming off of the foot is a little more earthy and roasted, but still very enticing.

The First Third

The cap clipped cleanly with no fraying and the cigar took the flame from my torch well and the draw was surprisingly perfect for a torpedo.  Occasionally I’ll have some difficulty with drawing off of a torpedo because my guillotine cutter tends to smash the tobacco together and makes it hard for any smoke to pass through, but this one seems to be just fine for now.  I wonder if it has anything to do with the way the ligero filler is rolled?  It was certainly impressive to see it so finely packed at the foot before lighting it.

The first draw was a little strong, so I’m sampling it gently as the burn begins to even out.  The aroma is unique to anything I’ve smoked before – somewhat difficult to pinpoint specific flavors, but I’m picking up a sweetness blended with coffee and spice which is very satisfying.  That earthy/cedar-like aroma that was present on the pre-smoke is certainly still evident and even more pronounced now.  Though the Daytona is toted as being more on the mild side, it will still likely pack a punch to the inexperienced smoker, but the flavors are certainly worth experiencing for yourself.

The Second Third

I am starting to have some real difficulty keeping this cigar lit – and I’m beginning to wonder if the torpedo cap is mostly to blame.  I’ve had to correct the burn several times, relight once and re-clip the cap to try and get a better draw.  The flavors remained pretty consistent throughout this segment of the cigar.  Smoke was thick and heavy, but full of flavor – particularly pepper and spice. I really have to draw hard on it and give it a good couple of puffs before I get any substantial smoke to sample though.  I’m beginning to wonder if the number of times I’m having to torch this cigar to keep it lit and to keep the burn even is charring the tobacco and affecting the flavor though as it is beginning to leave a bit of a bitter taste on my palate.

Burning Out

The flavors have remained consistent right up until the end.  Nothing notable or revolutionary about it in my opinion.  It is a milder version of some of the other Olivia cigars I’ve had in the past, but it wasn’t as complex a cigar as I was expecting it to be.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I was a bit disappointed with this one and not sure if the Olivia brand is really one I appreciate as much as the others.  The cigar started off very well, but the trouble I had keeping it lit was maddening and really detracted from the overall experience.  It was constantly canoeing in the burn and I’m sure at least half of the cigar was burned up just in the process of relighting and correcting it.  Looking past the difficulty I had with that, the aromas and flavors just weren’t packing that punch I like to have in a cigar.  Consistency is generally a good thing for some brands, but I was expecting more considering how highly it was rated by more experienced connoisseurs than myself.  On the appearance and construction aspect, I give this cigar high marks, but the real proof of quality should always be on the smoking experience and for this one I feel it was a bit of a let down. I would like to think that maybe a different shaped cigar of this same line may smoke more evenly so I can give it a proper review, but I don’t see myself looking into buying another one any time in the near future.

Liked It?:  I’ve had worse.

Buy It Again?:  Not likely.

Recommend It?: Probably not.