The San Lotano brand is spear headed by A.J Fernandez, one of the world's revered and highly sought after cigar blender. Prior to launching the SL range, A.J Fernandez has built a portfolio of different blends such as Man O 'War & Diesel.This would be my first encounter with the San Lotano brand, and the vitola that is reviewed here is a robusto measuring at 5" x 52".
The construction of the cigar is excellent. It is box-pressed to perfection. There are no soft spots detected. Upon close observation, very small veins may be seen. The cigar has a very smooth almost silky feel to it. The San Andres Maduro wrapper used is oily and exhibits a very luscious sheen which adds to the appeal of the cigar. The cigar features 2 bands, the first being the brand and AJ Fernandez's name. The second band set in black with embossed gold lettering spelling out "Maduro" provides a stark contrast to the dark wrapper. I think AJ Fernandez is making a statement with this one. All in all the cigar has a very classy appeal as far as aesthetics are concerned.
The aroma at the foot of the cigar is a concoction of a chocolatey, musky and floral aroma. Likewise at cold draw the same attributes were noted with a tiny dash of peppery spiciness. This cigar lights very easily. The first few draws were excellent with plenty of smoke plummeting into the room. There were chocolate and woody notes detected at the first third stage with a damp/earthy retro hale. I did note a certain kind of sweetness lingering about however i am unable to describe it with anything. I experienced minor burn issues, however a few quick touch up lights resolves this issue.
Entering the second third of the cigar, the indescribable sweetness sensation still lingers. The cigar started to open up to a more leathery tone. At this stage, I experienced no burn issues and the draw was very much close to perfection with thick sweet smoke. The white slightly chalky ash managed to stay on to circa 1 1/2" prior to giving away.
Entering the final third of the cigar i noticed the prominent sweetness has dissipated however notes of toasted coffee are starting to develop. Throughout the experience the cigar managed to maintain a very cool burn. I was also able to detect a slight but bearable bitterness towards the finish. At this stage I once again experienced an uneven burn.
All in all, I would definitely revisit this stick again as the price is very affordable. The only issue is I have yet to come across tobacconist in Malaysia that retails this brand. The sample that was reviewed here was ordered online courtesy of a good friend of mine, Mr Asyraf Pauzi.
Price : RM 20 - 23 / stick.
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