The San Lotano Oval, Maduro - by A.J. Fernandez

The joy of cigar smoking is something I've become partially infamous for. In keeping with this reputation, and along with my other blogging, I plan to put down my thoughts regarding my favorite smokes and my favorite places to smoke them. Perhaps by sharing my thoughts, I might be able to help others in their pursuit of the pleasures of the perfect smoke. One of the greatest discoveries I've made in my relatively short pilgrimage into the world of fine cigars, (which humbly began with Swisher Sweets in the 5th grade), is the delectable experience I am enjoying in this very moment - the Nicaraguan born San Lotano Oval in its various incantations. Today I happen to be enjoying the Maduro. I am not as versed as I hope to be on how cigars are made and what makes them so different. But I've developed a sophisticated enough palate over the years to know when I've placed a masterpiece in my mouth. The name Oval indicates an innovation in cigar shapes. Most cigars are round - a few are box pressed. But the Oval contours to the mouth perfectly. Immediately the peppery, soft wrap tingles the lip and when the cigar is lit a delightful complexity of yummyness immediately greets the palate. Woody, rich spicy flavors are strong and variant. The cigar remained lit through the entire experience - a rare accomplishment. The draw is perfect - not too tight - but full. The lightly rolled cigar lends to a steady light and a relatively shorter smoke - but by the time you're done the partaker is satisfied with a pleasant light-headedness that cigar smokers know as a good cigar buzz. At no point during the smoke is there a bitter pill to swallow - rather its richness remains consistent while it evolves to a spicier motif. This cigar is not designed for the rookie smoker but for those who have a developed a palate for the heavier cigar. Yet, it is never meaninglessly potent - as some stronger cigars are. Its strength is met equally with the highest quality flavors. For those of us who are aided by a good cigar to reflect, relax, converse and yes, in my case, to worship - this cigar is a sure stimulating delight. After this good stick I am more mindful than ever of the goodness of God and His sacred comforts. Since discovering the San Lotano Oval, I have explored the world of A.J. Fernandez creativity. I have sampled many others and am looking forward to future creations of this great Cigar Entrepreneurial Roller and writing about them. For those looking for a variety of creations www.cigar.com offers a generous sampler of A.J. Fernandez smokes which includes some of his San Lotano creations and others from his Man 'O War series as well as his Diesel selections. I enjoyed this cigar in the comfortable setting of Waterwheel Cigar Shop in Amelia Island, FL. Off the beaten path, in the quieter settings outside the metropolitan area of Jacksonville, FL on A1A, surrounded by leather seats, unfinished wooden walls and large flat screen TV's, tended to by the personable and knowledgeable staff - it is the perfect place to get some work done while being treated to the bellowing smoke of this wonderful A.J. Fernandez creation. On a scale from 1 to 100 this cigar receives a happy and enthusiastic Mo rating of 97. Happy smokes to all and may the Lord bless you with many long ashes!