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.
The AJ Fernandez New World Cameroon Double Robusto brought more strength than I was expecting, but the fullness of flavor kept up. I felt like it was a prototypical AJ blend, really didn't showcase Cameroon at all and probably not something I'm eager to revisit.
Some nice chocolate and baking notes were present at times while dark wood was the consistent theme throughout. The AJ Fernandez Enclave Broadleaf is a good evening/after dinner cigar and one I wouldn't mind revisiting in a smaller vitola to see how it smokes. If you're an AJ or broadleaf fan, then this is definitely one to try.
As I was hoping, AJ brought a stronger game to a blend under his own brand. Strength is a bit up there, so fans of AJ's stronger blends will be right at home here. This would be a great evening/after dinner cigar and I'm sure would stand up to some nice brown spirits.
I find the La Gran Llave to be like many of AJ's offerings. That is, a profile centered around wood, spice and cream. Nothing truly stands out or is off-putting about the cigar. I do wish the profile reached further depth in spice with the smoking experience matching closer to the pre-light experience.
The strength is up there, so newer smokers or those that like milder cigars may want to take caution, but if you like fuller strength cigars, this is a must try. I highly recommend that you seek one of these out.
A technically great performing cigar with some good complexity build ups and transitions (minus the last third). But given the 100 minutes of smoking time for this "last call," I will light this one up during half time.