AJ Fernandez

Behind the brand is Abdel "AJ" Fernandez, a descendant of Cuban tobacco growers who built one of today’s most respected factories in Estelí, Nicaragua. He is famous not only for his own lines but for making cigars for many other brands. His name has become a guarantee of full flavour at a fair price.

Origins

AJ comes from a family that grew tobacco back in Cuba. After emigrating he settled in Nicaragua and started from the ground up — first as a grower, later as a manufacturer. He released his first own lines around 2010.

History

The breakthrough came with the San Lotano line and later New World, Enclave and Bellas Artes, embraced by critics and smokers alike. Within a few years he became one of the most influential people in the industry — and one of the few who both grows and rolls his own tobacco.

How & where it’s made

Everything is made in Estelí, the heart of Nicaraguan cigar-making, mostly from Nicaraguan tobacco rounded out with leaves from other countries. AJ is known for his feel for wrappers and careful fermentation. That is exactly why so many other brands have their cigars made by him.

Style

On the palate AJ Fernandez is mostly medium-full to full, with notes of coffee, cocoa, earth and pepper. It is the choice for a smoker who wants bold flavour and isn’t afraid of strength — without spending a fortune.

Did you know

AJ Fernandez is one of the few makers who are grower, factory owner and blender in one. This gives him control over the final flavour from seed to band — and the industry speaks of him with great respect.