AJ Fernandez San Lotano Requiem Habano Robusto

This is a 5 x54 robusto with an interesting blend of tobacco. I smoked three from the box of 20 before writing this review (and many more will follow). The first two were exquisitely smooth and balanced with a rich aroma. The third was a little spicier and resembled the best of the New World Cameroon Double Robusto. 

Appearance and Construction: A very well crafted cigar, nice weight in the hand and glamorous bands.

According to Neptune, the construction is as follows:

Wrapper: Brazilian Habano - much darker than what I would expect for a Habano leaf.

Binder: Nicaragua

Filler: Dominican Republic, Honduras and Nicaragua

So quite a mixture, which reveals itself in the complex flavour.

First Puff: a bit spicy but soon settles down to a smoother profile.

Draw and Burn: Perfect draw and burn. No resistance. A little waviness at the beginning but soon corrected. 

Flavour and Complexity: A very rich and complex flavour with a darker roast flavour but with a sweetness that melds together well. One that I smoked was a bit spicy, but not as spicy as the Oval.

Body: Medium to full. Not as potent as the Oval, but getting there.

Strength: A decent amount of strength. I could feel it, but it wasn't overwhelming. 

Finish and Aftertaste: Excellent long finish and interesting sweet aftertaste. 

Aroma: Deliciously rich and complex aroma.

Ash: held on very well in inch long segments, refusing to shake off until that length.

Balance and Consistency: A very balanced and consistently good cigar; no dead spots, no bitterness.

Time smoke: Between 75 and 80 minutes

Overall: Very satisfying. For a five inch cigar, the smoking time was substantial, no doubt due to the excellent long finish.

Beautiful construction, albeit a bit darker than I would expect for a Habano wrapper. 

October 16th, 2023: This one was not as satisfying as the previous. It was a bit rougher. It didn't have the refined complexity of the previous. It was dark and spicy, but a bit tarry and bitter. Still quite pleasant. 

November 8th, 2023: A very fine example of the blend: smooth, medium-full bodied, excellent aroma, easy draw and good construction. Very satisfying and 90 minutes.

November 27th, 2023: This one was a bit less complex; more woody and spicy, building up to full body in the final third. Aroma wasn't pronounced. Finish was long, but only 70 minutes. Quite satisfying. 

January 17th, 2024: Full bodied with good complexity. Wrapper cracked. I'll need to adjust the humidity. Otherwise a fine example of the brand. Very satisfying at around 90 minutes. 

May 6th, 2024: Excellent full bodied cigar. It was smooth, spicy and rich without and dirty, tarry, harshness. Perfect burn. Light in the hand and easy draw. Probably closer to 70 minutes. Very satisfying.