#8 San Lotano Connecticut

We have now entered the “Elite 8” of “30 Cigars in 31 Days” – my review of the Top 30 Cigars of 2010.  It is now time for the 23rd installment of this list.

At #8 is the San Lotano Connecticut.   This is the second stick from A.J. Fernandez’s new San Lotano line to make my Top 30 (joining the San Lotano Maduro that came in at #12).   The San Lotano name comes from an old line introduced by Fernandez’s grandfather in Cuba.   I’ve seen several “best of” lists for 2010 and several have included the San Lotano sticks.   While many have touted the Maduro and Habano sticks from San Lotano, I think it is the Connecticut one that shines.

The San Lotano Connecticut might just be one of the best Connecticut shade sticks that I have ever had.  This isn’t your father’s mild and creamy Connecticut shade cigar.  The flavors of this cigar are very robust. This cigar will have some bite compared to most Connecticut shade wrapper sticks.  It is a medium strength stick, and medium to full in body.  The flavors are unbelievable and unique – with notes of white pepper, cedar spice, and vanilla.

In addition to the Ecuadorian grown Connecticut Shade wrapper, this cigar features a Honduran binder and what I term the trifecta blend filler – namely Dominican, Honduran, and Nicaraguan.   The binder and filler are virtually identical in composition with the Habano, Maduro, and Connecticut sticks in the Connecticut line.

A full review is available here for more details on my experience with this cigar.


Recommended Vitola: Toro (6 x 52)