San Lotano Dominicano Robusto by AJ & Jochy 8/11/19

 Appearance
A rustic looking dark chocolate colored wrapper with a few prominent veins and some mottling. The seams are tightly wrapped and nearly invisible. The wrapper has a nice oily sheen. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Earth and cedar on the wrapper. Earth, cedar, sugar and a mild spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Cedar, sugar, molasses, red licorice and spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar, earth, leather and spice. The draw is snug. The burn is wavy. Smoke production is at the high end of medium range. The sugary notes in the Prelight Draw have turned into full caramel notes. The ash is medium gray and stacked. The ash began to look suspect as it was beginning to curl so I removed it.

2nd
Upon inspection of the working end I found a 3/16” diameter tunnel which was the cause of the erratic burn. Bold espresso notes join the profile. The draw opens up just inside the 2nd/3rd. The perfect amount of “gomma” was used to glue the bands together(an Artform in itself). Strength is medium. Midway in the cigar, cocoa powder notes join the profile. Cashew notes bring additional balance to the blend which started with a heavy “Dominican tobacco” flavor. The finish is long with notes of cedar, earth, caramel, molasses, espresso, cocoa powder, cashew and warm cinnamon spice.

Final/3rd
Smoke production is at the high range. The burn has fully self corrected. Red licorice notes join the profile. The complex flavors continue right to the nub.

Overall
The San Lotano Dominicano Robusto provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A complex, well balanced and flavorful profile with a perfect draw after the 1st/3rd and an erratic burn through the first 2/3’s.