Ave Maria Lionheart

I’m currently on leave, home in Massachusetts for my best friend’s wedding and taking extra time to visit family. But obviously, I brought my cigars with me, including many that I’ve been waiting to review.

The first of these is one I picked up in Guam, another blend by the legendary A.J. Fernandez, the Ave Maria Lionheart. 

Cigar: Ave Maria Lionheart

Vitola: Earl (Robusto; 5.5” x 54)

Price: $7.75

Origin: Nicaragua

Wrapper: Sun Grown
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Mexican, Nicaraguan, Brazilian
Body: Mild to Medium

Rating (out of 10): 9.5

Appearance:
The band is quite striking, as it prominently features a Knight Templar, in a red, white, and gold color motif, along with the brand name, “Ave Maria.” A secondary band below this one reveals the line of AM cigar, “Lionheart.”

The wrapper is a light, golden-brown color, oily to the touch, with soft veins and nearly invisible seams. The cap is neatly placed.

Construction:
Construction is, as I’ve come to expect of cigars blended by A.J. Fernandez, perfect. the balance is flawless, and this stick survived traveling in my luggage from Guam to Hawaii, and then from Hawaii to Massachusetts, without a mark of damage.

Aroma:
The barrel carries a faint whiff of cedar and cocoa; at the foot, I get a more distinctly coffee scent.

First Third:
Going with a punch cut on this one, since I left my straight cutter inside, and I’m just too lazy to go back in for it right now.

The cold draw is soft and nutty, like cashew with a faint hint of coffee.

First draws after lighting bring out more of that cashew flavor, along with a soft sweetness, like a light honey drizzle.

The smoke is soft and creamy, with a white stack of ash that holds together nicely. The burn is a bit slow, but it’s perfectly even.

Soft hints of cocoa peeking through underneath the main flavor profile.

Second Third:
Second third starts off pretty consistent with the first, adding a bit more of a spicy kick, a little like chili pepper.

A bit more cocoa creeping in around the half.

Still burning evenly, but with a slight angle to it now.

Final Third:
Slightly less even burn at the start of the last third, had to give it a quick touchup.

The pepper notes have diminished in the last third, leaving the honeyed cashew on the forefront, and just very soft hints of coffee and cocoa underneath.

Closing Thoughts:
Overall, it’s a very good smoke. Milder than I generally prefer, but it would make a great morning smoke with a nice light roast coffee or even a nice mocha. The flavor is pretty full for such a mild smoke, though. This would easily be one of my top recommendations to someone who prefers a milder cigar.