Page 75 – Fine Tobacco NYC

October 28, 2019

San Lotano Dominicano AJ & Joche Review

Matthias Clock

2 0 5.0k

Sometimes it seems like 80% of the cigars I review on any given month just happen to be in some way connected to AJ Fernadnez, one of the most popular (and increasingly famous) blenders on the market. From ultra boutique brands like Viva La Vida to giant tobacco companies like Altadis, Fernandez is simply everywhere. And with the quality of smokes he puts out, his products basically demand to be reviewed. Such is the case with the San Lotano Dominicano, which is a collaboration project between Fernandez and Jose “Jochy” Blanco.

Blend Specifics

Cigar Reviewed: San Lotano Dominicano
Wrapper: Brazil
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic and Nicaragua
Size: 5 x 50 toro

Appearance & Construction

The San Lotano Dominicano is easily one of the most visually striking blends to hit the market in 2019. The dominant blue of the main band plays perfectly next to the gold and red accents, and complements the rich outer Brazilian wrapper. The outer leaf has a sandy texture and some major knotted veins located mainly near the head of the cigar.

Taking a whiff off of the foot of the cigar, I pick up aromas of barnyard, wood planks and light cocoa notes. Taking a cold draw reveals a slightly restrictive draw (about an 8/10 in terms of amount of restrictiveness), and notes of earth, granola, and light spices.

Flavor & Smoke Characteristics

Once lit, the San Lotano Dominicano opens up with assertive flavors that are spicy, sweet, and slightly bitter. It’s strong (medium +) but definitely in a way more characteristic of Dominican tobacco than Nicaraguan. In order of prominence are notes of toasted nuts, sweet floral, cocoa, big white pepper, and cream on the finish. The retrohale is just as enjoyable, with heavy toasted bread, vegetal notes and white pepper. The cigar produces excellent amounts of rich smoke, and though there is some initial waviness to the burn, that corrects itself in about half an inch. What I’m loving most at this point in the smoke is the texture. It does a great job threading the needle between smoothness and assertiveness.

As the cigar burns past the first inch and a half, the balance of flavors ebbs and flows, sometimes emphasizing creamy cocoa, other times focusing more on a spiciness that borders on jalapeño. Beneath these notes are oak, Fuente-esque vegetal flavors, and bitter espresso. All of this helps the cigar deliver balanced complexity that makes for a captivating experience.

Into the second third, the San Lotano Dominicano loses a touch of its strength, and some of the spiciness present up till now burns off with it. The balance of flavors shifts definitively to sweet, and the smoke takes on a chocolaty flavor that’s nicely augmented by bitter espresso. Still very enjoyable but not quite as complex as the first third. Construction is perfect, with a razor sharp burn and excellent smoke production.

The final third of the Dominicano sees the profile shift once again, this time toward savory vegetal notes, white pepper, and traces of cinnamon, cocoa and cream. Construction never falters, and though the smoke does start to pick up some heat, it’s manageable and I smoke the cigar down to the nub.

Conclusion

The San Lotano Dominicano is one of the more enjoyable 2019 releases that I’ve smoked lately. It has a balanced and harmonious flavor profile, with notes of toasted nuts, floral, cocoa, pepper, and a nice cream. Construction is essentially perfect throughout the course of the smoke, which is no surprise given the characters involved in producing the cigar.

Highly recommended.

Final Rating: 91

October 25, 2019

Bourbon Review

Angel’s Envy Cask Strength – Balanced Power

Mark Garbin

2 0 2.1k

Angel’s Envy Cask Strength
Balanced Power for the Adventurer After Dinner or With A Cigar

Photo courtesy of Angel’s Envy Media & Logos – Louisville Distilling Co. LLC

Whisky Reviewed: Angel’s Envy Cask Strength
Distiller: Louisville Distilling Co. LLC
Region: Kentucky
Suggested Retail Price: $400
ABV: 62%
Wine Enthusiast Rating: 94
Distiller Rating: 92
Whiskeyreviewer Rating: A

BOOM! Now that’s cask strength!

Sweet vanilla caramel aromas burst from my poor Glencairn as hot fumes leaped from their glass prison to attack the nasal senses. Not to be outdone, I had to wait a few moments after the first sip for my mouth and throat to adapt to the superb assault. The high ABV sampled “neat” forced me to stop trying to discern this spirit’s various flavors.

You know the issue, right?

A special place in hell exists for those who create cocktails with this Rolls Royce of taste grenades.

But how to domesticate the beast? Hmm … It was easier than I thought. A small ice cube tamed and cooled this bourbon’s ardor unveiling a smooth, complex and, dare I say, poised persona. Rare for such a potent whiskey, with little effort, it morphed into a rich tapestry of hue, shade and depth.

It’s not for the Apprentice or budding Enthusiast. There’s no subtle or chameleon trait. But the Balanced Devotee will understand a Power Flavor Admirer’s drive when they pour a dram. The same feeling awaits the Adventurer who should use this offering to step into the Hedonist’s shoes.

No matter where you are on your journey, take time to savor all the wonders this presents. Forget a pre-meal drink and food would ruin the totality of the event. Try Angel’s Envy Cask Strength with a cigar or after dinner when you can focus on everything you’ll experience.

It’s the only way to fly.

Mark Garbin’s Evaluation

Aromas & Flavor Appeals to:	Optimal Client Type	Great For:
Subtlety Aficionado	Apprentice	Cocktails
Power Flavor Admirer	Enthusiast	Neat Before Dinner
Balanced Devotee (needs a small cube)	Adventurer	With Food
Uni-Directional Fan	Mountain Climber	Dessert or Afterwards
Chameleon Lover	Hedonist	With a Cigar

Distiller review: This cask strength release from Angel’s Envy is an absolute treat for bourbon lovers. There’s no denying its high proof, but it lands on the palate with notes of leather, wood smoke, vanilla, cocoa, and dates, and a warming finish that goes on for ages. Whether sipped neat or tamed with a little ice or water, there’s a whole lot to like about this whiskey. –Jacob Grier

Wine Enthusiast review: Some might prefer the more sippable regular-strength version, but for those seeking higher proof, this lively expression is surely a contender in the growing cask-strength category. The nose is rich with touches of peach and toffee, while the palate finds velvety caramel and dark-fruit notes attributable to a turn in Port barrels. – Kara Newman

Whiskeyreviewer: There is no debating the fact that this finishes hot. Personally, I love cask-strength bourbon that reminds me that I’m drinking cask-strength bourbon, so I count this as a positive. There is a type of lingering sweetness to the finish, but the prominent feature is a woody, earthy burn.

October 25, 2019

Gin Review

Hayman’s London Dry Gin – Get Ready For Multiple Flavors

Mark Garbin

2 0 2.0k

A Chameleon(!) Gin For Enthusiasts in Cocktails

Photos: Courtesy of Haus Alpenz

Whisky Reviewed: Hayman’s London Dry Gin
Distiller: Hayman’s of London
Region: London, UK
Suggested Retail Price $80
ABV: 47%
Distiller Rating: 90
Wine Enthusiast Rating: 90

It’s rare for a full product range to impress me. But given their craft rigor and the multi-use nature of these gins, I had to share the brand’s depth and taste profiles so you can determine for yourself how to best enjoy them.

My formal tasting took place at that fun palace: Winslow Gin House. I know of no other spot in NYC that lines up small pours of Gin & Tonic samples for you. Don’t ask for tonic from the “gun”. Instead spend a little extra dough on one of the fine boutique mixers they carry. This will ensure your knowledge base expands through the purity of flavors.

But for martini tests, nothing beats my home process, copied from the Dukes Bar. I keep my gins and glasses (and vodkas!) in a special freezer at -10°F. The spirits enter the frozen glass as I spray Dolin dry vermouth on top after which an organic lemon peel (Sorrento if I find them) sheds its precious oil for more surface tension. As air warms the cocktail, a gin’s character comes to the fore. This allows for the fullest expression of the spirit. No offense to Sean Connery, but I don’t want my martinis shaken OR stirred. I like them poured! Dilution is a capital crime!!

This review covers both the naked and blended drink. So relax as your mind takes you on a journey.

Part 1

First up was the London Dry. Tasted neat, the crisp floral nose lured me in, with delicate juniper and pinecone scents. The initial flavors mimicked the smells as a bitter lemon zest stole its way into my palate ending with a sweet tinge.

I thought; This is pure smooth, tasty silk.

Little heat emerged through the mouth and the finish showed an easy, suave mix of classic gin extracts. My “need” for a second sample came as no wonder. I required it just for research you understand.

I wondered still about the martini test. Even though I’m gentle with the vermouth and fruit, would the cold squash all those spices? Would it subdue the whole persona?

Again: Surprise! Early sips of the intense chill plus the rind evoked many citrus tastes including grapefruit peel. Then as the room warmed the coupe, all the hidden traits surfaced with a pleasing yet thoughtful rotation.

Gin drinkers have a new toy. Hayman’s London Dry is a chameleon as its swirling charms open the gates for any Enthusiast.

Mark Garbin’s Evaluation

Aromas & Flavor Appeals to:	Optimal Client Type	Great For:
Subtlety Aficionado	Apprentice	Cocktails
Power Flavor Admirer	Enthusiast	Neat Before Dinner
Balanced Devotee	Adventurer	With Food
Uni-Directional Fan	Mountain Climber	Dessert or Afterwards
Chameleon Lover	Hedonist	With a Cigar

Distiller Review: The aroma is pretty intense with classic aromas with a bit of sweet spices particularly coriander. The licorice comes through just a touch as you taste. Citrus and cinnamon are the last notes you taste at the finish. This is an all-around use gin, but the sweet spices come through just a bit stronger which play nicely into a berry-based cocktail like a Clover Club. – Stephanie Moreno
Wine Enthusiast Review: Overall, this is a crisp and classic profile, scented with juniper. The palate is bracing and astringent, accented by bitter lemon and juniper, finishing lean and clean. Try it in a martini. – Kara Newman

October 22, 2019

Uncategorized viva la vida

Artesano Del Tobacco Releases Viva La Vida Jester 5-Pack

Matthias Clock

3 0 2.7k

Miami, FL, October 16, 2019– AJ Fernandez has done it again. His master blending techniques, aging process and masterful craftsmanship has led to the arrival of the exclusive Viva La Vida Jester. Packaged in a very convenient 5-pack measuring 5” X 56, the tobacco was carefully selected, blended and aged to perfection. All authorized tobacconists will be able to sell the pack after an exclusive AJ Fernandez and Artesano Del Tobacco in-store event.

“We’ve been waiting for the Jester for almost a year and finally it’s here. We couldn’t be more satisfied with the finished product and cannot wait for everyone to try it. As they say, ‘good things come to those who wait’ and this statement continues to ring true with the Jester. When we worked on the Jester with AJ Fernandez, all our attention was focused on the consumers’ desires. “- Billy & Gus of Artesano Del Tobacco

As with all Artesano Del Tobacco cigars, the newly released Jester is exclusively manufactured and distributed by AJ Fernandez and only available through Authorized Brick & Mortar Retail Tobacconists.

Through a fusion of inherited techniques and learned patience, AJ has developed proprietary tobacco grown from the most prized seeds harvested exclusively on his family farms. Perhaps the most essential quality of an AJ Fernandez cigar is not tangible. It is passion and discipline that motivates AJ to produce world renown premium cigars. The motivation that flows and radiates from AJ are contagious and palatable throughout all the artisans who hone their craft and skills under his hands-on tutelage throughout Nicaragua. All these attributes stem from humble beginnings in San Luis, Pinar del Rio, Cuba where the Fernandez family heritage began.

# # #

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Frank Santos at 786.800.5329 or email Frankie@AJFcigars.com.

You can read our review of the original Viva La Vida release here.

October 21, 2019

Cigar Reviews Trinidad

Trinidad Vigía Review

Matthias Clock

2 0 11.1k

Up for review today is the Trinidad Vigía from Cuba. Originally a brand reserved for diplomats and power brokers, Trinidad is a brand now available to the wider cigar market. Although not the original Trindad blend (that honor goes to Fundadores), the Vigia is a well-respected blend from the company, so I am excited to put what many consider a classic to the test.

Here’s some additional background info courtesy of Cigar Aficionado:

Trinidad is one of the anomalies within Cuba’s collection of cigar brands. It started as a commercially unavailable cigar reserved for diplomats and dignitaries. Once the brand was released to the public in 1998, it came in one long, thin size called Fundadores. Then the brand expanded by adding a few more vitolas, only to contract afterward by deleting sizes in 2012. Trinidad’s newest addition, the Vigía is the exact opposite of the Fundadores. Rather than being long and slender, this cigar is short and squat… Vigía is named for the watchtowers in the Cuban city of Trinidad erected to observe the sugarcane fields.