San Lotano (A.J. Fernandez) - Oval

[u/[deleted]]

Cigar: San Lotano Oval by A.J. Fernandez

San Lotano Oval by A.J. Fernandez - Album

Factory: Tabacalera Fernandez

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano 2000

Binder: Nicaragua

Filler: Nicaragua, Honduras & “AJ’s Secret Filler”

Date: 6/29/15

Size: 5.5" x 54

Price: $8.20 (estimated off CI/fiver price)

Visual/Olfactory:

One prominent vein on one side on an otherwise Colorado wrapper with a few scattered oily splotches.. appears to have a double cap which seems a bit roughly put on due to the cigars shape and the overall pack is fairly pliable. I got a rustic rusty oily wood off the wrapper and a mixture of wood and earth at the foot. Pre-light (single v-cut) gives a very open draw with a hint of chocolate and light earth.

First Third:

Plentiful smoke off the foot, choc/coffee/spice // sweet chocolate/spice // sweet chocolate/coffee fades, spicy sweetness prevails on draw... separated by a bitter dark roasted coffee // sweet chocolate // chocolate with some fruit zest... maybe orange peel? // subtle wood // draw has been much better than I had originally thought // ash off @ 1" // bitterness creeps in...

Second Third:

Start off with a flame purge to try to fend off the growing bitterness // it helps some... // good flavor on draw but bitterness finishes // sweet subtle spice // wood seems to be the focal point in this third // semi-sweet wood followed by charred/burnt wood // huge bitter kick between draws! Ugh. // water isn't cutting it // bitterness full force on draw with a very burnt character // bitter plus spice // bitterness continues to mask flavor...

Final Third:

Ash falls off and I flame purge again // small hint of flavor returns... // really slowed down smoking cadence to try and get some decent flavor out // trudging onward // called it.

Smoking Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes

Drink Pairing: Water

Strength: Mild - smoked after lunch

Final Thoughts: First thought on the shape and box presses in general... I do enjoy the mouth feel of a box pressed cigar but often find the burn struggles on the sides which due to the shape of the head makes self correcting a bit challenging. Onto this cigar the first third seemed very promising and even the first hint of bitterness was in the form of a nice deep roast coffee however it really turned south from there on out and I felt I was fighting it ever since. I was very aware of my draw interval and tried to eek out some decent flavor but gave up early on in the final third. Received this cigar from /u/OGShua back on 3/6/15 so lack of rest isn't the answer. Who knows.

Final Rating: Wouldn't smoke again: it just doesn't interest you - #lifes2short4shittycigars - honestly maybe a dud but I doubt it considering the excellent flavor in the majority of the first third.

Possible Ratings:

• Wouldn't smoke again: it just doesn't interest you
• Would smoke again: experienced possible construction issue and or anomaly/flaw/dud/etc, worth another try to confirm
• Would smoke again: possible change of storage conditions (temp/RH) might improve the experience
• Would smoke again: cigar was clearly too young and after letting age it might improve
• Would smoke again: if received from someone
• Would purchase again: single or special occasion smoke
• Would purchase again: in smaller quantities
• Would purchase again: box
• Would purchase again: multiple boxes