NEW WORLD Oscuro by AJ Fernandez is one of the best and most complex cigars out of Estelí, Nicaragua, today. This, his first collaboration with his father, provides a satisfying and delightful experience that will leave you wanting more. With rich and supple tobaccos from multiple regions, this cigar is right for any palate.
Profile: Medium/Full
Wrapper: Dark Nicaraguan
Filler: Ometepe, Condega, and Estelí
Binder: Jalapa
Shape: Robusto “Navegante”
Length: 5.5
Gauge: 55
Country: Nicaragua
Box-pressed: Yes
Sweet: N/A
Pricing: MSRP $168.00 (Box of 21) $8.00 (per stick)
First Impression: Looking at this cigar, the dark chocolate color is the first thing I noticed. The wrapper was oily, mildly toothy, and rough with a slightly matte finish. The aroma was sweet and almost like hay just after a sun shower. Upon further inspection, I noticed how fully packed this cigar was for a box press. There were no uneven spots or bulges, and the color was flawless throughout. I used a guillotine-style cutter, and the cap was removed easily.
Lighting, Draw and Burn: My cold draw was free-flowing and complex, with notes of hay, earth, leather, and figs. I utilized a single jet torch lighter and toasted the edges first, then evenly heated the rest of the foot until I saw a slight glow, puffing without the lighter to ignite the tobacco further. Once the cigar was lit, I observed an even straight burn with dark and heavy ash.
Flavor: With all Nicaraguan tobaccos, there was the spice, but it wasn’t typical. This spice was followed by a subtle sweetness, a heavy earthiness (almost like a mushroom), with cedar hidden in a thick smoke that coats the palate. The cigar was rich, almost like a meal, and worthy of tales.
Final Thoughts: AJ Fernandez has changed how I look at cigars lately. His blends are renowned worldwide, so much so that other cigar makers have an AJ blend. The NEW WORLD line is a definite go-to and will always be a dependable smoke. Try them all.