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Initial Thoughts
This is the second cigar that I’m reviewing from a recent trade that I received from the fellas over at r/cigars on Reddit. The San Cristobal Seleccion Del Sol is a boutique release from the giant cigar manufacturer Ashton. According to Ashton’s website:Handcrafted by the Garcia family, these cigars feature a very special sun-grown wrapper grown on the family’s “Estrella” farm in Esteli, Nicaragua… Jaime Garcia hand-selected these beautiful wrappers from the first crop of tobaccos harvested from Estrella explicitly for this cigar.
Looks
The San Cristobal Seleccion Del Sol features two tropical bands on the barrel. One at the foot of the cigar with the inscription “Seleccion Del Sol”. A baby blue line highlights the top and bottom of the smaller band with a rainbow esque feather in the middle of the band.
Function
I move up and the down the barrel rolling the San Cristobal Seleccion Del Sol between my index finger and thumb to check for soft spots in the filler. Wahoo, this cigar is packed beautifully, spongy, but not soft in any spots whatsoever.
Smoking
The San Cristobal Seleccion Del Sol takes to my matches instantly, it only took two matches to get the foot of this thing lit and glowing bright orange. Right out of the gate the burn on this cigar is razor sharp. I’m pulling in a trememdous amount of smoke without any interference whatsoever we’re off to a great start.
Flavor
The San Cristobal Seleccion Del Sol is heralded as a Medium to Full Bodied cigar and I would have to say that I agree with that. The pre draw began with a strong mocha and tobacco aroma. The flavor on the pre draw brought some spice and pepper to the tongue, primarily on the front end and then dissipated on the backend. The first third started out with the strong pepper that was present on the pre draw but then finished very smooth with hints of espresso on the backend. The retrohale ignited a pepperery aroma and a little tingly sensation in my nasal cavity. The second and final thirds were identical to the first. The final third brought a smooth finale to the San Cristobal Seleccion Del Sol there was no grand hoorah of pepper or spice just a smooth ride out that let me enjoy it all the way down to the nub. The flavor profile on this cigar brought out lots of different notes: espresso, mocha, tobacco and even very subtle hints of cedar. The smoke wasn’t as strong as you might expect for such a small vitola, but it was blended wonderfully and subtlety.Would I Buy It Again?
Certainly, this cigar was a complete surprise. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, and I was thoroughly impressed. At $8 a stick this cigar has the traditional Ashton price tag, but it also lives up to being a fantastic cigar.Is It an Every Day Smoke?
If you can afford to smoke this everyday I’d say go for it. Especially this size of vitola makes it a quick 45 minute smoke and it’s an absolute pleasure.Would I Buy a Box?
If you’ve found that this is your go to cigar then by all means go pick up a box. At around $135 for a box I would say you can’t go wrong!Frequently Asked Questions
How strong is the San Cristobal Seleccion del Sol?
Eric rates it medium to full bodied, which lines up with Ashton’s own description. It opens with a strong pepper hit that settles into a smooth, espresso-tinged ride the rest of the way.
What are the flavor notes of the San Cristobal Seleccion del Sol?
The main flavor notes Eric picked up were espresso, mocha, tobacco, and subtle hints of cedar, with pepper and spice upfront that mellowed out through the second and final thirds.
Where can I buy the San Cristobal Seleccion del Sol?
Eric doesn’t name a specific retailer in his review, but as an Ashton boutique release you’ll want to check your local tobacconist or major online cigar retailers.
How much does the San Cristobal Seleccion del Sol cost?
Eric paid around $8 per stick, with a box running roughly $135 — and he thinks that’s a solid deal for what you’re getting.
What bourbon pairs well with the San Cristobal Seleccion del Sol?
Eric doesn’t call out a specific bourbon pairing in this review, but check out his pairing suggestions below based on the cigar’s actual flavor profile.
Where to Buy San Cristobal Seleccion del Sol
Average retail: ~$8 per stick. Prices vary by retailer.
| Retailer | Price | Availability | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Famous Smoke Shop | ~$8/stick | ✅ In Stock | Shop Now → |
| Cigars International | ~$8/stick | ⚠️ Check Stock | Shop Now → |
| Amazon (samplers) | Varies | ✅ Available | Search Amazon → |
Stogies on the Rocks may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
Best Bourbon Pairings for the San Cristobal Seleccion del Sol
As a full-bodied, high-strength Nicaraguan torpedo, the Cojonu 2006 demands a bourbon with presence. Here are our top three pairings based on complementary flavor profiles.
#1 — Knob Creek 9 Year
Knob Creek 9 Year’s bold caramel and oak backbone should hold its own against the Seleccion del Sol’s upfront pepper without steamrolling the espresso and mocha notes that make this cigar worth smoking.
Buy on ReserveBar → Read Our Review →#2 — Old Forester 1920
Old Forester 1920’s dark chocolate and baking spice character mirrors the mocha and pepper profile Eric found throughout this cigar, making it a natural match from first light to nub.
Buy on ReserveBar → Read Our Review →#3 — Russell’s Reserve
Russell’s Reserve’s softer vanilla and dried fruit sweetness should complement the smooth, cedar-tinged finish Eric noted in the final third without fighting the cigar for attention.
Buy on ReserveBar → Read Our Review →Pairing suggestions based on the Stogies on the Rocks flavor profile scoring system. Browse all bourbon reviews →
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Conclusion
If you’re looking for a quick powerful smoke that is easy to draw and even easier to enjoy, then the San Cristobal Seleccion Del Sol is something you should definitely try out!
