Stogie Reviews: San Cristobal Fabuloso
18 May 2009
Released in 2007, this Nicaraguan puro is made for Ashton by Don Pepin Garcia in his Tabacalera Cubana factory in EstelÃ, Nicaragua. It features a beautiful, oily, dark brown wrapper that shows a slight tooth.
The torpedo-shaped Fabuloso (6.125 x 52) is fairly smooth with one large vein that runs most of the length of the cigar.
I need to point out that one of the two cigars I smoked for this review included a loose wrapper that separated from the binder about a third of the way up from the foot. More on that later.
The pre-light aroma is nutty with a slight hint of chocolate. After an easy cut, I found a perfect pre-light draw with just the right amount of resistance.
The foot lights effortlessly and the burn is perfect at the start. Smooth and creamy, the initial flavor is predominantly earthy with a little spice and just a hint of bitter chocolate.
On the second Fabuloso I smoked (the one with the loose wrapper) I was forced to touch up some burn issues after the first third was complete—problems that likely arose due to the loose wrapper.
At this point, on either sample, the flavors begin to transition with the earthy taste fading just a little bit, and dark chocolate and coffee notes coming to the forefront.
The burn continues to be a little ragged but does not require any more touch ups. The dark chocolate and coffee flavors remain until about the last inch and then fade away after being replaced by some spicy and grassy notes.
While this is a very pleasant $9-10 cigar with good complexity, the lack of consistency in construction detracts from the experience and ultimately prevents the San Cristobal Fabuloso from receiving a mark higher than four stogies out of five.
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Patrick Ashby
Co-Founder & Editor in Chief
Patrick Semmens
Co-Founder & Publisher
George Edmonson
Tampa Bureau Chief
While I haven’t had burn issues with this cigar I agree with the verdict. It’s a very good cigar but there are better at this price.
I really like this cigar. I have smoked several of both the Toro and Churchill versions. I haven't had any burn issues to this point. If they maintain the consistency and quality, Ashton and Don Pepin will have created a classic.