San Cristobal Quintessence Robusto 5 1/2″ * 50

San Cristobal Quintessence joined Ashton’s San Cristobal family in 2016 as its fifth blend, made by the García family at My Father in Estelí. The San Cristobal Quintessence Robusto runs an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and filler from the García farms, a medium to full smoke.

The flavor usually moves toward cedar, roasted coffee, baking spice, and a mild sweetness, with enough pepper to mark the medium-full strength. The 5 1/2 by 50 robusto is a round, even-burning size that keeps the session a sensible length.

The moderate strength makes it flexible across the day rather than tied to the evening. It is sold as singles or boxes of 24, so one stick is an easy starting point. A well-made Nicaraguan robusto with a steady medium-full feel.

Pairs well with bourbon, coffee, or porter.