2022 Cigar of the Year Countdown (Coop’s List): #13: H. Upmann Nicaragua AJ Fernandez Heritage Toro by Altadis USA

“Overall the H. Upmann Nicaragua AJ Fernandez Heritage Toro delivered the total experience. It fires on all cylinders: flavor, balance, complexity, and construction…the flavors were not only excellent, but they were some of the more unique flavors I’ve gotten from a cigar.”

Wrapper: Brazilian Mata Fina
Binder: Nicaraguan Habano
Filler: Nicaragua, Brazilian
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: Tabacalera AJ Fernandez Cigars de Nicaragua SA
Toro: 54 x 6
Price: $10.35

Sponsor: Yes
Samples Provided for Initial Review: Yes
Review: H. Upmann Nicaragua AJ Fernandez Heritage Toro by Altadis USA (10/9/22)
Appearances on Countdown (By Year/Company): 7 (2010, 2012, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022)

Coming in at #13 is the H. Upmann Nicaragua AJ Fernandez Heritage Toro by Altadis USA. When it comes to the H. Upmann brand, there is quite a strong track record both from a commercial and critical standpoint when Altadis’ Rafael Nodal and AJ Fernandez join forces. This includes the H. Upmann Nicaragua by AJ Fernandez and the limited edition H. Upmann 175th Anniversary. Toward the end of 2021, came the word of another H. Upmann project with Nodal and Fernandez known as the H. Upmann Nicaragua AJ Fernandez Heritage.

The blend for the H. Upmann Nicaragua AJ Fernandez Heritage is a combination of extra-aged tobaccos from Brazil and Nicaragua. This is highlighted by a Brazilian Mata Fina triple fermented wrapper over a Nicaraguan Habano binder and fillers from Nicaragua and Brazil. The Toro measures 54 x 6.

The result is a cigar that is medium in strength and medium to full in body. The flavors shine in this blend as it delivers notes of coffee beans, stone fruit, cocoa, spicy cinnamon, and pepper. These flavors complement each other quite well. We all know Rafael Nodal’s love of music, and the way these flavors play well together is reminiscent of how a symphony orchestra performs.

For Altadis USA, this is the seventh year the company has placed a cigar on a Cigar Coop Countdown, including three years in a row. This is the latest cigar from Nicaragua to land on the Countdown. If you are following our reveal at home Nicaragua has been the dominant country thus far. With 18 cigars unveiled, this is the 13th cigar to land on the Countdown from that Central American country.