When you name something “The Goat” you had better bring your A-game…or accompany it with a pentagram for a heavy metal album cover. AJ Fernandez produced The Goat for the Nasser Cigar Lounge in Haiti, but apparently thought the rest of the world should be able to try it, too, so it was released as a limited edition this summer. The Goat uses a Mexican San Andres wrapper over a Nicaraguan Corojo binder from Condega. It is stuffed with fillers from Nicaragua: Esteli Criollo Seco, Esteli Hybrid Viso, and Jalapa Corojo Ligero. It is available only in a box pressed Toro size.
The wrapper had a pungent earthy aroma, with a touch of anise. The foot of the cigar had earth and coffee and sweeter notes coming from it. Once lit, The Goat had a pleasing mix of bitter and sweet, highlighting the best of what you can get from Mexican wrapper leaf. I found it to be medium-plus in body with a good amount of pepper spice on the retrohale.
I sipped a little Makers Mark Bourbon along with this cigar. The extra sweetness was a nice addition, especially since I was drinking the standard MM product at only 90 proof. In the end The Goat was a very good cigar…but probably not my favorite thing from AJ Fernandez. At the asking price, I probably would pass on it in the future.
