I'm sort of battling myself with this AJ Fernandez Amar Torito. Typically, I have a strong dislike for highly earthy (dirt/soil) type cigars. But even though this cigar had that, there was a richness in other flavors (spice, sweetness, barnyard) that kept me engaged in every draw. Given this, I want to smoke more in the hopes of finding consistency.
The AJ Fernandez New World Decenio Robusto is a nice blend that captures that Mexican and Central American flavor profile. There is a nice cocoa and rich earth profile with some leather, tobacco, herbal and spice notes. There is balance with a nice level of complexity. The construction is perfect from start to finish, and it is an approachable cigar for many smokers. I would be curious to see the tobacco breakdown with this blend. I feel like the filler blend is much more Nicaraguan focused, but the Honduran tobacco has its place.
So there's only good things about this cigar, regardless of my average tasting experience. The good things are: 1) It tastes like AJ so for the plethora fans out there, winner winner. 2) It's only $9 for a Robusto extra-ish. Chicken dinner. With all that said though, the AJ Fernandez Enclave by Eladio Diaz Robusto isn't for me.
The AJ Fernandez 20th Anniversary Toro was a solid cigar. I really liked the Nicaraguan flavor profile delivered, and it was filling on many levels. Construction was perfect with the cigar as well. I thought the size was a little large, I would have preferred a 54 or 52, but it still smoked great for being as large as it was. It kept my interest from beginning to end. I enjoyed the cinnamon, cocoa and pepper quality profile delivered.
I was genuinely surprised with how much I enjoyed this AJ Fernandez New World Navegante. It’s been years since I’ve had the blend but I thought I remember it being a “pepper-bomb.” Although it had some spice, it was by no means a “pepper-bomb” and it’s a cigar I’d certainly come back to. I can see this cigar being a great candidate for aging with the amount of body it has as well.
This AJ Fernandez Dias de Gloria Brazil Figurado was a great cigar, and I would smoke more of these in a heartbeat. I don’t find the price to be bad, and it’s nice to smoke a good Mata Fina release again. The cigar has creamy chocolate notes, and it had this faint hot chocolate and mocha profile that I loved. The burn and draw were great, and it was complex from beginning to end. Nice transitioning and depth.
I really enjoyed the AJ Fernandez New World Dorado Figurado, and it was a nice return to the New World line/brand. I thought it was a solid Nicaraguan puro that delivered an enjoyable flavor profile that was present throughout. Not overly complex, or showing a lot of transitioning, but an overall good blend. I prefer the Toro vitola offering, but a nice Figurado.
Overall, the AJ Fernandez New World Cameroon Toro was pretty linear in it's flavor profile until some transitions in the final third. Having reviewed the cigar in the Double Robusto previously, this vitola provided a very similar, average experience. The price point is attractive, so it's an easy try if the blend intrigues you.
The AJ Fernandez Bellas Artes Maduro Toro was a solid smoke and a cigar that fit into some classic stereotypes. It was a Maduro that was dark, rich and strong. The cigar smoked at a full level from beginning to end and the flavors paired perfectly with the body and strength. Finished with beautiful artwork on the bands, this is a great release for AJ.
Cigar Marketplace, in collaboration with AJ Fernandez, will introduce the company's first exclusive line, a new size of the popular New World by AJ Fernandez.