If you’ve ever wondered what happens when an irresistible force meets an immovable object, we can tell you with confidence that the result is the creation of the San Lotano Dominicano Robusto cigar. It was inevitable after all, a meeting of the minds of two of the tobacco-blending powerhouses that fuel the modern era: brand owner A.J. Fernandez and the incomparable Jochy Blanco. Crafted at Jochy’s Dominican-based Tabacalera Palma, this stogie contains a binder and some portion of the filler from his own local farms, while the balance of the well-aged and expertly fermented longleaf at the core comes from A.J.’s fabled Nicaraguan fields. A leathery Cuban-seed Brazilian wrapper is all that protects us from the radiant medium-full strength flavor that takes but a flame to unleash.
A creation of collaboration instead of competition, the San Lotano Dominicano Robusto is supremely balanced in all aspects of its character. It sits heavy in the hand and the uniformly solid barrel beneath the double gold and blue bands gives so very slightly under pressure, but a cold draw test requires only a soft pull to release hints of milk chocolate and whole wheat toast. A razor-sharp burn produces creamy rich clouds initially loaded with baker’s cocoa and pepper, with a touch of anise in the retrohale. Ever shifting between sweet and savory, the first and second thirds contain espresso, graham cracker, cedar, salt, and cane syrup. The finish is earthy and chewy, fully of dense yet surprisingly cool mouthfuls of smoke.
The phenomenal San Lotano series of smokes have long been lauded for bringing maximum premium flavor at a reasonable daily-stick price, and the 5” X 50 San Lotano Dominicano Robusto continues that tradition. Check out some of A.J’s other wondrous offerings; the Dias De Glorias and Ramon Allones are particularly remarkable. Jochy Blanco as well has a broad stable of delightful stogies to explore, from the hearty La Galera to the myriad tastes and complexities of the various Aging Room frontmarks. Come, join us and ride the lightning!
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