Cigar review: I have been under pressure from some followers to write a new review. I received an email from one cigar dude who asked if I had some new stuff to talk about. There is always a cigar in my humidor that should be reported so it’s time. Might be the last review of 2018, we shall see.
From their website:
La Amistad, which means “friendship,” is a unique collaboration between General Cigar and AJ Fernandez. AJ’s passion for Hoyo started when grew up near the Hoyo de Monterrey farm in Cuba and he has had a love for the brand ever since. The cigar was blended by AJ and rolled in his factory in Nicaragua. Paying homage to the classically Cuban Hoyo de Monterrey, the box and band feature gold and red to offer a classic yet modern look. Featuring an Ecuador Habano wrapper, La Amistad provides a full bodied, spicy smoke across four classic frontmarks.
Brand/Name of Cigar: Hoyo, La Amista
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Size: 5 x 54
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Shape: Robusto
Price: $7.59 MSRP
Where and When Smoked: Los Angeles, Ca. 12/23/2018
Appearance/Construction: The cigar has the look of a full-bodied smoke with a tight, solid construction with a dark, brown clean look with no obvious faults. The simple but effective two cigar bands make the look even more powerful.
Flavor/Taste and Aroma: First third: Started with a strong but smooth shot of black pepper, espresso and roasted peanuts. Full bodied , not overpowering and no head rush from nicotine.
Second third: Remains a full-bodied cigar with a positive addition of cinnamon, that enhances the flavor. You get also a creamy note too but not sure what it was.
Final third: Keeping on the same theme of power, smoothness and pepper, this is an example of a consistent full-bodied smoke.
Smoking Characteristics: The cigar does exactly what an outstanding well made cigar should do. No burn issues, even draw with a dark grey ash.
Conclusion/Overall Impression: The AJ team works wonders with the La Amistad. Power with precision, and with a very reasonable price , you have the total package.
Final Thoughts and the Numbers: This cigar makes the grade in all aspects of a top flight product. Sometimes we hype a cigar without merit but we cannot say enough how good this is.
Appearance/Construction: 4.5 out of 5
Flavor/Taste and Aroma: 4.5 out of 5
Smoking Characteristics: 4.7 out of 5
Conclusion/Overall Impression: 4.6 out of 5
Keep smoking