Switching things up a little bit this week, I decided to record my first video cigar review. I really appreciate the great feedback you all have given me for my first two written reviews, but several people asked me to try my hand at video reviews as well. So, I figured I’d give it a shot and get in front of the camera for a change. And what better way to start off with my first video review than with the San Lotano Oval by A.J. Fernandez. It’s no secret that I’m a fan of A.J.’s stuff, so I knew I had to get my hands on a couple of these sticks as soon as the cigar was released.
San Lotano Oval by the numbers:
Vitola: Corona
Size: 5×44
Wrapper: Habano 2000 (aged 4+ years)
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua, Honduras, A.J. Fernandez Secret Filler
Strength: Medium
Factory: AJ Fernandez in Esteli, Nicaragua
No. smoked for review: 3
Duration: 75 minutes
Source: purchased by the reviewer
Price: $7.00
Website: ajfernandezcigars.com
Twitter: @AJFcigars
Is the San Lotano Oval yet another home run for A.J.? Watch and find out…
Soundtrack: “It Moves Me” by The Empty Vessels (used with permission)
www.theemptyvessels.com | @theEmptyVessels | facebook.com/theemptyvessels
So what do you think? Should I stick to written reviews or would you like me to toss in a video review every now & then? Which format do you prefer: written, video, or a combination of both like Mike often does? Let me know in the comments section, and remember to offer up your suggestions for my signature catch-phrase as well (no, “umm… uhh…” doesn’t count — I’ll try to cut back on those next time).
About Charlie:
Charlie has been enjoying cigars since 2000 and generally prefers a medium-bodied, full-flavored smoke. A USAF vet, he is currently pursuing a PhD in computer science, focusing on artificial intelligence and computational linguistics. Originally from Connecticut and now residing in Delaware, Charlie is also a fan of football, science fiction, political philosophy, and single malt scotch. You can contact Charlie on Twitter @greenbacker
Charlie,
I enjoyed your video review as much as I’ve enjoyed any other. I prefer a written review myself. If you still need a catch phrase I think someone needs to bring back “See you on the flip side”.
Cheers,
Nick
Fantastic first video review Charlie! As a fellow ex airman, might I suggest you add a HOORAH @ the end of your reviews as a catchphrase? That’d be kinda cool, no?
great review! id say do some more video reviews just to get used to it.
Loved the review. Keep it up and keep it video. In honor of the great Al Davis, you should sign off with a play on his famous “Just? Win Baby!” mantra and say something like “Just Smoke It Baby!”
Impressive video debut, Charlie. I’m sure the “ahs” and “ums” will disappear over time as you get used to the camera. I enjoy your written reviews as well, so I think you should either mix them up or do as Mike does. I like that you can get a good idea of the cigar with the written portion, then watch the video when time allows.
I need to pick some of these up. I really like the oval shape, as in the Oliva MB3s, and the flavors sound great.
Keep up the great work!
Charlie,
Job well done on you first video review.
Maybe you could close with “Keep your afterburner’s on”
SB
Very good first video, my vote is continue doing them. One thing that Stogie Review sort of invented was the video review. I like them obviously. As for a tag line, I’m leaning towards an Air Force reference.
I’m bias but I like the videos but I’m a believer that you will find your own path, work flow, medium that works best for you and your personality.
I wanna come up and record a Halloween video in your basement LOL.
Nicely done, Charlie.
Great video review, Charlie. Add some more “banter” in future so we can get to know you better.
I personally like the combo written and video reviews. I have a trick to get you over the uhs, also works for the “like” tic that afflicts so many people. Send me a tweet at @glleon and I will hook you up. Tag line from WW II: “Smoke ’em if you got ’em”. BTW, I am also an AJ fan but so far prefer MoW Ruination to San Lotano Habano or Oval. Good luck on that PhD from an E.E. computer nerd.
Hay Charlie, left you a message on the ” Well We Are Back”. Good review.
Good review, I didnt notice any ums and ahs. you did a good job.
a good review Charlie, here is a idea for you closing that you will tells one of your favorite redneck joke about a cigar.
Nice review, very good job considering it was your first. As a closing line — “And BOOM goes the dynamite”. LOL
Couldn’t do worse than young buck? Priceless!!! you’d have to be Stephen Hawkings on crack to do worse than that little bugger.
Nice review. keep up the good work!
Ouch…. That was cold
I’m a big fan of signin of with “Go fuck yourselfes”. Thats how i say goodbye to my buddies, anyway.
just got it online from your sponsers and im looking forward to it
Nice review
Great Review… Thanks for the Watering Mouth
One of my top two smokes. A. J. Fernandez outdid himself here. If you like this the Maduro should appeal to you as well.
great review! picked up one of these myself and really agree with all the flavors you said you got from it. I enjoy cigars like the Undercown, Padron, Cains, etc. and really found that this will be added to my favorites list. Keep up the great reviews! Cheers.