When the man with the plan is A.J. Fernandez, as is the case with the particularly luscious San Lotano Maduro Gran Toro cigar, the only thing you will have to worry about is finding a comfortable place to sit while smoking. That is because Fernandez has been producing world-class stogies almost from the very moment he stepped onto the scene, and he gives no indication of slowing down. Having access to some of the finest longleaf ever to grace a curing barn allows A.J. to dial in just the right flavor profile to complete his vision. For this revelation, each San Lotano Maduro is chock full of Nicaraguan and Honduran tobaccos stuffed combined with a dark, sweet Mexican San Andres wrapper for a full-flavored, medium-to-full strength gem.
The ‘San Lotano’ frontmark is proclaimed loud and proud on the main green and gold band, with ‘Maduro’ equally pronounced on the secondary, so confusing this 6” X 60 stick with any other in your humidor is your own fault. Of course, the quality of construction, the sleek, oily, and rich brown color of the San Andres, and the overall allure of each hefty vitola are just as obvious. Bright and floral defines the aroma of the smoke which billows forth once the broad foot is lit, but the taste skews towards more carnal delights. Dark chocolate and red wine flavors dominate for a time, then a charred meatiness backed by toasted cedar and dark cherries comes to the fore. The wise smoker will let these flavors battle it out unimpeded over the long, slow burn towards the nub.
There has been much buzz about San Lotano cigars, whether the Maduro or another blend, since their initial release, so most of you by now are at least aware of their existence. Current fans need no persuasion but if you have yet to try one, despite overwhelming evidence of their delightfulness, now is the time. A San Lotano Maduro Gran Toro with a dirty gin and a rousing card or dice game with friends is one of the best ways to make the most of a weeknight.
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