Archive for the ‘AJ_Fernandez’ Category

Emilio AF2

Tuesday, November 20th, 2012

I recently reviewed the AF1 and thoroughly enjoyed it. I planned on waiting a while before trying and reviewing the AF2, but I obviously changed my mind. Like the AF1, this cigar is blended and manufactured by A.J. Fernandez. Thanks goes out to Gary Griffith, owner of Emilio Cigars, for sending me a couple of these to review.

 

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro

Binder: Nicaragua

Filler: Nicaragua

Size: Toro 6 x 50

Price: Around $7.00

 

Pre-Smoke & Construction:

The wrapper was shiny and oily, with small veins. It had an aroma of earth, barnyard, and bitterness. The foot had a sweet, spicy aroma. There were some soft spots here and there, but the cigar was rolled well. The draw had some resistance, but it was well within my tolerances. The pre-light flavor was woody and earthy.

The burn required a few minor corrections, and the ash held for around an inch.

1 Emilio_AF2 cigars

Flavor:

The first third started off with earth and cayenne pepper. In short order, the smoke feel became smooth, and bordered on creaminess. Black coffee joined in and became a dominant flavor. Bitter sweetness lingered in the background. Some draws were smooth and sweet, and others had a nice, easy spicy kick.

2 Emilio_AF2 cigars

The second third had a nice quick turn. Cocoa and coffee became dominant flavors. The cayenne pepper died down a bit, but made for an easy, tingly aftertaste. The smoke feel was creamy and smooth. Like before, some draws were dry and crisp, while others were smooth and creamy.

3 Emilio_AF2 cigars

The last third kept the same core flavors. Some draws were espresso, or at least black coffee. Other draws were sweet dark cocoa. The pepper was consistent throughout. The creamy, tingly aftertaste clung to the lips and tongue for quite some time.

4 Emilio_AF2 cigars

Conclusion:

This was a very good medium to full bodied cigar. I enjoyed the smooth flavors and complexities. There was nothing to complain about at all. How does it compare to the AF1? They are similar in a lot of ways, but they are different enough to make it hard to pick a favorite. At this moment, I’d pick the AF1, but that is subject to change. Like the AF1, I’d smoke more of these.

San lotano Oval

Tuesday, June 5th, 2012

The San Lotano Oval is a product from AJ Fernandez. This cigar has been on my radar for months. A lot of people suggested I try it. Due to lack of availability, I just didn’t have the chance. Until now. I found some at La Habana Cigar Shop recently. Let’s see if the San Lotano Oval lives up to the hype. I paired this cigar with water as always…

 

Wrapper: Habano 2000

Binder: Nicaragua

Filler: Nicaragua and Honduras

Size: Corona 5 x 44

Price: Around $7.00

 

Pre-Smoke & Construction:

The wrapper was velvety smooth and almost seamless looking. It had a sweet earthy smell, as did the foot. The cigar was evenly packed, and slightly spongy. The draw was a little snug, but within my tolerances. The pre-light flavor was earthy and sweet.

The burn required two minor corrections, and the ash held for about 3/4 of an inch.

1 San_Lotano_Oval cigars

Flavor:

The first third had an interesting medley of peppery spices. It wasn’t a traditional black pepper with that associated burning sensation. This was much more refined, and I lack the palate and vocabulary to describe it. After about 10 minutes, a note of dry cocoa joined the flavor profile.

2 San_Lotano_Oval cigars

The cocoa becomes more noticeable in the second third. Behind that was the medley of spices I mentioned before. There was also a slight earthy component, with very subtle floral notes. Towards the end of this third, the flavors mixed together more evenly. That floral note ended up going away entirely.

3 San_Lotano_Oval cigars

The last third kept the trend I spoke of in the end of the second third. The flavors mixed together and nothing really stood out over the other. The aftertaste was tingly and stuck to the mouth for some time.

4 San_Lotano_Oval cigars

Conclusion:

This was a very good medium bodied cigar. While the flavors were fairly common, the delivery was above average and well refined. Construction was good, as was the ash. There isn’t really anything bad to say. I will be smoking more of these.

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