This is a new Nicaraguan puro released at the 2007 RTDA convention in Houston. Although the name is shared by a cigar made in Cuba, the San Cristobal is an Ashton trademark from the 1990’s, and a re-launch of a cigar from the 1980’s. These cigars are blended and manufactured by none other than Jose Pepin Garcia at his Tabacalera Cubana factory in Nicaragua. Working for two years, he developed a cigar worthy of the Ashton name.

The coloring of the band gets my attention first. It depicts a large, Macaw parrot, which is carrying two large gold medallions. The graphics are impressive, but I still wonder from where the bird had stolen the gold medallions. Other than that, the Nicaraguan wrapper is an awe-inspiring dark chocolate-brown while having some medium sized veins that run axis-wise on the wrapper. Leathery to the touch, it is well balanced in the hand. The aroma of cocoa and chicken coup is drawn into my nostrils as I take a pre-light snort.

I clipped an ample portion of the triple-cap with my Palió cutter and take a pre-light draw. The subtle flavors of cocoa and spice accompany the firm draw of this cigar. In eager anticipation, I gently toast and light this cigar, and settle in for a relaxing experience.

The smoke begins with firm flavors of chocolate and spice, accompanied by a sweet undertone. The body is medium, building to medium-full by the halfway point. The characters themselves do not build in intensity, but rather gently grow into deeper, more refined flavors. Earthy flavors develop near the halfway point while the sweet undertone and spice seem to meld together. These flavors lay heavy on the palate, but do not overwhelm. Beyond the halfway point, rich earthy and light espresso flavors take hold until the finish. Nuances of chili peppers and a light creaminess accompany the long, full-bodied finish.

This cigar produced a near perfect ash that was pearl gray in color, while showing no cracking or feathering in construction. Rolling off the ash at the 1-inch point produced a perfect ash “cocoon” and an even burn-line on the remainder of the cigar.

This is a great cigar with many enjoyable characters. Far from being one-dimensional, it provides many challenges for even an experienced smoker. I will face those challenges head-on as we progress though the next year or so reviewing of these cigars.

~Blake