NC review: Southern Draw Rose of Sharon Lancero

[ayedfy]

Thanks to @Achilles1318 for recommending these in the "your favorite NCs" thread back in May, picked up a single as per that recommendation.

Southern Draw Rose of Sharon Lancero. Vitola 19.5x40.
Drink pairing: English breakfast tea, black & unsweetened.

Cold: wrapper is nice, surprised by the closed foot, never seen that on a cigar before. Draw is perfect for me - on the tighter side but not difficult.
Opening third: instant creaminess, sweet iced coffee, raw honey, touch of cinnamon. Light to medium bodied at first, but the honey note developed into a stronger toffee character. Passionfruit and meringue, got me thinking about pavlova.
Middle third: somewhat muted heading in the middle. Still held the creamy character but the sweetness became much more subdued. Nutty note moved forward suggesting raw walnuts. After a dry patch some more touches of sweetness flickered in and out - dried cranberries. Shortbread from the aroma.
Final third: the fresh honey from the opening made a welcome return, then moved to a dessert wine (Sauternes maybe) depth and intensity. Hint of nuttiness at the end but more pleasant than the earlier walnut note, more along the lines of salty peanuts.
Smoke time: about 100min

A few firsts here - first long skinny, first Connecticut wrapper. More complexity than I was expecting, highly enjoyable. One of the better non-Cuban experiences I've had. Could definitely see myself grabbing a box of these when the time comes. 90/100

Edited September 7, 2022 by ayedfy
Not sure if prices are allowed but I had a gut feeling they weren't so I pulled it out.

[Cigar Surgeon]

These come out of AJ Fernandez and I've said over and over that in my opinion the blends Robert Holt has are the most consistently good cigars coming out of AJ's factory.

[EnigmatiC]

Great review, I really enjoy these as well.

[KCCubano]

Buddy of mine said he smoked the Toro version tonight. First time trying Southern Draw and thought it was very good. 

[JLH]

Thanks for the review. I love the Rose of Sharon, with the exception of the "lancero". For me it is a big step down from the other vitolas. 

It's never been clear to me, who blended it. I've read posts by Robert saying he blended it is often credited to AJ. I know it was from the AJ's factory, and if AJ he actually blended it, it is arguably the best cigar he ever blended. 

Jason

[Cigar Surgeon]

Just now, JLH said:

Thanks for the review. I love the Rose of Sharon, with the exception of the "lancero". For me it is a big step down from the other vitolas. 

It's never been clear to me, who blended it. I've read posts by Robert saying he blended it is often credited to AJ. I know it was from the AJ's factory, and if AJ he actually blended it, it is arguably the best cigar he ever blended. 

Jason

All I know is none of Robert's stuff has the trademark AJ toasted earth and leather combination.

[Skypilot]

I enjoy this line as well. The rose of Sharon is great..

[MossybackR]

I’ve sampled several vitolas of the Southern DrawRose of Sharon and bought several boxes of the “Desert Rose” a smaller lonsdale size. I’m definitely going to search out the lancero. Sounds wonderful.

[MossybackR]

@ayedfy Okay, now I’m confused — I found the lancero available (not at Holts), but it has a secondary band titled “the Thorn”. What is going on?

[ayedfy]

11 minutes ago, MossybackR said:

@ayedfy Okay, now I’m confused — I found the lancero available (not at Holts), but it has a secondary band titled “the Thorn”. What is going on?

No idea sorry! I got this as a single and otherwise have no knowledge of the brand.

[Lamboinee]

Good question.  I've seen inconsistent specs and details posted on this cigar (and its iterations) with respect to length and ring gauge as well as the contents of its flller (at least one reputable source lists honduran).  I've also seen several varieties that were "exclusives" to a B&M, famous, etc.  I do not know the answer for sure, but might suggest is has something with the particular size. Is that a 7.5 x 40?

I've also heard and had mixed experiences with the cigar over the years.  Are those new and do you like them?

[MossybackR]

Okay. I understand now — there are two vanities: “Rose of Sharon” (which you reviewed) and the “Desert Rose” (which I had bought — no review yet). From their website, “Southern Draw may very well be considered a “newcomer” to this industry but we aren’t new to cigars and we offer only uniquely blended premium cigars that are hand crafted from only fine Cuban seed tobaccos afforded us by our global partners and then patiently aged and naturally fermented by the dedicated hands at the world renowned AJ Fernandez Cigar Co. located in the heart of Estelí, Nicaragua.”

https://www.southerndrawcigars.com/cigars