Name: San Lotano Oval Maduro Toro

Country: Nicaragua

Size: Toro (6 inches x 52)

Strength: Medium to Full

Good cigar. Excellent construction. The San Lotano Oval Maduro by A.J. Fernandez was a happy discovery. This is a good reminder that trying new things is often rewarding. It’s also a good reminder that one shouldn’t always stick to the sticks he knows.

I paired my San Lotano Oval Maduro Toro with a glass of Irish whiskey. It burned evenly and lasted a little more than 90 minutes. I liked the draw and the amount of smoke it gave. The notes I got were cocoa, dark roast coffee, oak, and white pepper.

I’d give it a good 85/100, and I wouldn’t mind burning one occasionally.

Name: La Aroma Del Caribe Edicion Especial No. 3

Country: Nicaragua

Shape: Parejo

Size: Toro (6 inches x 50)

Strength: Medium to Full

I have smoked the corona vitola of this line before, so the pleasure I derived from the Toro was not completely new. Although the last time I smoked an Edicion Especial was months ago, the earthy, leathery, and nutty harmony of notes was quite familiar.

Paired with Ketel One vodka and 7 Up, in the company of good friends at a bar in Mar Mikhael, I had a very good experience overall.

Name: Benchmade Robusto

Country: Nicaragua

Shape: Parejo

Size: Robusto (5 inches x 50)

Strength: Medium to Full

An impressive cigar with notes of dark chocolate, earth, dried fig, and cedar.

The Benchmade Robusto is an affordable cigar that legitimately tastes like something much more expensive. It’s strong and aromatic, burns evenly, and has a good draw. It was made to be smoked and enjoyed casually, and it gives its best when it’s paired with coffee.