Every cigar brand has their “special sauce.” It's the way they ferment their tobacco, dry their leaves, even the soil they use can contribute to the way a cigar brand tastes. I like almost everything Fratello Cigars makes. Their “signature sauce” is one I really enjoy. Except for the Fratello Oro. Today's cigar, the Fratello Lunar, like the Oro, features a Connecticut Shade wrapper.
Initial Thoughts
The Fratello Lunar was blended by ex-NASA employee and Fratello founder, Omar de Frias, to “to celebrate the United States' return to the moon after 50 years.” While it has a Connecticut wrapper, it deviates from the standard with a mottled and marbled leaf instead of one that's yellow/gold and smooth.
On the cold draw, the Fratello Lunar Connecticut's flavors were very mild, but I mostly tasted wood and leaves. However, once lit, the Lunar was immediately appealing. The first flavors were of spice, graham crackers, and something mildly creamy.
CigarScore:
Brand: Fratello
Line: Lunar
Size: 6 x 50
Cut: Guillotine
Light: Torch
Price: $15.40
Wrapper: Connecticut
Binder: Mexico
Filler: Dominican Republic, Cameroon
Smoke Time: 78 minutes
Strength: •••
Through the middle of the Fratello Lunar Connecticut, I didn't experience a construction issue. Perhaps due to excessive moisture or over humidification in the binder or filler, the cigar swelled, causing the wrapper to pop and crack.
Final Thoughts
I was able to smoke the Fratello Lunar Connecticut Toro for about 78 minutes, and I had some fairly major construction issues. The cracking and popping of the cigar were significant in the second half, but, surprisingly, they didn't have a negative impact on the overall smoking experience.
However, the flavors I got from the Lunar Connecticut were delicious. I don't know if it's the combination of a San Andres binder with a sweeter Connecticut shade wrapper, or if it's the Cameroon filler, but this cigar had great flavors.
This cigar might be a little expensive, it might not be once it comes into regular production. The Fratello Lunar Connecticut earns a CigarScore 4.
