#20: Pinolero by A.J. Fernandez

The selection for #20 Cigar on our Cigar of the Year Countdown is the Pinolero by A.J. Fernandez.   This was a new line launched by A.J. Fernandez Cigars in 2012.  It made its debut at the 2012 IPCPR Trade Show. We were lucky enough to sample this cigar prior to the trade show and provide the media’s first assessment of this cigar.

The Pinolero marks a return for A.J. Fernandez Cigars after a one year absence in the countdown.  In 2010, two cigars from A.J. Fernandez’s San Lotano line were in the top twelve of that year’s countdown.

The flavor profile of the Pinolero consists of a mix of pepper, cocoa, natural tobacco, and nut.  While the flavor profile has a Cubanesque feel to it, the pepper spice helps bring a Nicaraguan feel to this cigar.   The flavors to the cigar are medium bodied.  The strength of the Pinolero starts out as medium, but definitely increases in the later stages of the cigar experience to full strength.

AJ. Fernandez Cigars are known for their stellar construction, burn, and draw.  The Pinolero is no exception.

Here is our original pre-release assessment of the Pinolero.  Click here for our assessment update where we provide a rating and score.

Blend Profile

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Sun Grown
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Cuban Seed Nicaragua and Fernandez Family “Secret Filler”

Vitolas Available

Corona: 5 x 42
Robusto: 5 x 52
Figuardo: 5 1/4 x 54
Toro: 6 x 52
Gran Toro: 6 x 60
Churchill: 7 x 52

Recommended Vitola: Robusto