“Not only did I find a cigar of terrific value, but I found a cigar that delivered an all-around outstanding cigar experience.”
Coming in at #24 is the A.J. Fernandez New World. This is a new regular production brand introduced by A.J. Fernandez Cigars in 2014. This marks the third time in five years that A.J. Fernandez has made the countdown – and the third brand overall to make the countdown. The New World is a Nicaraguan puro becoming the second Nicaraguan puro to qualify for this year’s countdown.
The New World features a Dark Nicaraguan wrapper with a Jalapa binder and fillers from Ometepe, Condega, and Esteli. It is available in four box-pressed sizes. Three of the sizes are 55 ring gauge and there is also one size in a 58. The cigar is intended to be a value-priced premium cigar in the $6.00 to $7.00 range. It is also a project that company owner A.J. Fernandez has done with his father Ismael – who joined his company this year.
This cigar delivered some outstanding notes of dark chocolate, earth, pepper, and a nice maduro sweetness. The chocolate is more present at the beginning. The maduro sweetness takes center stage during the middle third. Toward the end, there was a ramp-up with the pepper. When I first assessed this cigar I found this to be a medium to full-bodied cigar that progressed to full-bodied by the end – countered by medium to full strength. Since then, I found this as a cigar to dialed back to medium to full-bodied with medium strength.
Not only does this cigar deliver great value, but it delivers great flavor and a great overall experience.
Click here for our detailed assessment on the A.J. Fernandez New World.
Blend Profile
Wrapper: Dark Nicaraguan
Binder: Jalapa (Nicaragua)
Filler: Viso Ometepe, Condega Ligero, Esteli-Finca Soledad Ligero
Country of Origin: Nicaragua (Tabacalera Fernandez)
Vitolas Available
Navegante (Robusto): 5 1/2 X 55
Almirante (Belicoso): 5 1/2 X 55
Gobernador (Toro): 6 1/2 X 55
Virrey (Gordo): 6 X 58
Recommended Vitola: Navigante (5 1/2 x 55)
Assessment Rating: 4.0- Box Worthy
Score: 92 (8/12/14)
For more information on our vision and criteria for the 2014 Cigar of the Year countdown, see our December 2014 Editor’s Corner.
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