AJ Fernandez

Abdel J. Fernández (AJ Fernandez) makes his cigars in Nicaragua, at his factory in Estelí and at the San Lotano factory in Ocotal, much of it from tobacco grown on his own farms. His best-known brand, New World, was the first blend he created with his father, Ismael, who had spent 17 years with the Plasencia family. Other lines include Enclave, Bellas Artes, Días de Gloria, Last Call and the Blend 15 bundle. Cigar Aficionado ranked the New World Dorado Robusto No. 14 in its Top 25 for 2022, and named the Aging Room Quattro Nicaragua Maestro, rolled at AJ's Estelí factory, its Cigar of the Year for 2019.

Strength runs from medium (Enclave Connecticut, Puro Especial) to full (Bellas Artes Maduro). Choose by wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut for a lighter smoke, habano for spice, or dark oscuro and Brazilian Mata Fina for richer flavour. Samplers are a good way in.