Cigar review: Eventually I got to review this cigar that was highly touted in it’s initial release. If I am fortunate enough , a company will send me several samples and voila , a review will be forthcoming. That is the case of the Hoyo La Amistad by A.J. Fernandez , a General Cigar product. If not , I buy the cigar.
As we also know, how and where I receive the smoke does not influence my subjective opinion. Try it for yourself and decide if it is a cigar worth smoking.
Brand/ Name of Cigar: Hoyo/ La Amistad Dark Sumatra by AJ Fernandez
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Size: 5 3/4 x 54
Wrapper: Ecuador, Sumatra
Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf
Filler: Domincan, Hondurian , Nicaraguan
Shape: Media Noche
Price; MSRP : Box of 25, app. $190.00
Received gratis from General Cigar for review
Where and When Smoked: Los Angeles, Lone Wolf Cigar Lounge, 9/20/19
Appearance/Construction: Yup, this is a very dark cigar with an oily wrapper that glistens in the light. Smooth to the touch with several small veins. Solid construction, no soft spots or obvious faults. A good looking band enhances how dark this cigar is.
Flavor/Taste and Aroma: First third: Immediate hit of black pepper, full of power but not overwhelming. I also tasted a mix of cashews and another nut like taste.
Second third: More pepper and spice which cranked up the intensity of the blend. I should try lying down as we move forward in this smoking endeavor.
Final third: The nicotine became killer and was feeling somewhat out of control. I liked the cigar but wondered if I needed to eat a full meal before I smoked. I stopped smoking for about 10 minutes so I could grab some water and take a break.
I finished up the cigar very cautiously without any further head rushes.
Smoking Characteristics: Very good burn, no hot spots , stayed lit. Ash was medium to dark color.
Conclusion/Overall Impression: You need to be a professional cigar smoker to handle this blend. The flavor was intense, very smooth but you might want to jump in a shower after finishing the smoke. I like dark, ful, bodied cigars but I needed to prep better for this one. Not the fault of the cigar, it was my lack of planning. A five pack could be in order but not as an everyday cigar.
Final Thoughts and the Numbers: The cigar has been cooling it’s heels for about 2 months in my humidor. Will try it again in another two months so see if it mellows out a bit. It’s a buy for the seasoned cigar person only.
Appearance/Construction: 4 out of 5
Flavor/Taste and Aroma: 3.5 out of 5
Smoking Characteristics: 4 out of 5
Conclusion/Overall Impression: 3.8 out of 5
Keep smoking