Brand: Sol Cubano (Oliva)
Line: Cuban Cabinet
Vitola: Magnum (Toro) 6 x 50
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuadorian
Binder: Nicaraguan/Honduran
Filler: Nicaraguan/Honduran
Body: Medium-to-full
Strength: Medium
Box Price: $109.95 (Box of 25)
When I first heard of A.J. Fernandez, the up-and-coming cigar maker behind Sol Cubano, Rocky Patel Signature and La Cuna Bin #85, my first thought was: “Didn’t be used to pitch for the Florida Marlins?”
(Turns out I was thinking of A.J. Burnett and Alex Fernandez, both star pitchers, at one point, for the team. Fernandez won a World Series with them in 1997.) But I’ve read in various places that I should keep an eye out for A.J. Figured I’d pass the word along.
(Anyway, my thanks go to Steve from Cigars International for getting this out to me.)
The Sol Cubano Cuban Cabinet, made in Oliva’s factory in Esteli, Nicaragua, has an extremely smooth, slightly oily, vein-free Ecuadorian Habano wrapper. If you give it a whiff, you’ll definitely notice its nice sweet-and-spicy scent.
Once I lit up, I found the Cuban Cabinet had a great draw that was consistent through several sticks. Now, I’ve read some posts around the blogosphere complaining about the draw on this cigar. Since it’s still a pretty new blend, perhaps Fernandez is still working out the kinks. Anyway, you’ll get no complaints from me.
This cigar had a complex, heady taste, which I enjoyed. It was spicy and tangy to start, but I picked up hints of cedar about halfway through, and as I smoked the SC Cuban Cabinet down to the nub, I got a bit of leather and cocoa.
Verdict: Great cigar, and a pretty good deal for $4-$5 bucks a pop. The Sol Cubano Cuban Cabinet burns very evenly, has amazingly white ash and seems to be constructed quite well. It’s complex, which seems to be a trademark of many Oliva-made cigars, and it should satisfy many different palates. I really enjoyed this one.
Similar cigars: If I were to compare this to an Oliva, I’d compare it to the Series O. It’s complex, but not as full-bodied as the Serie V.
Popularity: 23% [?]
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I have also noted the whiteness of the ash on the Sol Cubana cigars I’ve smoked. It’s almost like the burn is leaving behind a stick of chalk.
To be honest, I’ve always wondered what it is about cigars that determines the color of the ash?
I’ve read and heard from some cigar manufacturers that the whiteness of the ash is determined by the amount of calcium in the soil.
Both to Daniel and Kevin … the whiteness of the ash is determined by the amount of Magnesium in the soil, not Calcium.
Cuban soil (for example) lacks Magnesium … so hense, the very dark charcoal ash on Cuban cigars.
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