Nicaragua is the fastest growing cigar manufacturing country in the world. In 1964, the very first cigar factory opened in Nicaragua, which relative to other cigar producing nations is a late start. This factory was home to Joya de Nicaragua; the first real cigar brand produced in Nicaragua. In 1970, it was selected as the cigar of choice in the United States, enjoyed by the elites of society and politicians of the day. However, with political corruption and communism plaguing Nicaragua at the time, production of Joya de Nicaragua was drastically slowed and eventually, temporarily halted.

Fortunately, Joya de Nicaragua Antanos has been in production – similiar to the same blend that was sought after in the ‘70s. The brand is still produced in Nicaragua and has received rave reviews from Cigar Insider and Cigar Aficionado publications, including ratings as high as ‘91’. In fact, Antanos has also been named one of Cigar Aficionados Top 50 Cigars and is a must try for experienced enthusiasts. The cigar is strong: full-bodied with spice and pepper flavors that blend well together, creating a very long, full-flavored finish. Although slightly smooth, Joya de Nicaragua Antanos is incredibly powerful and even though this cigar has a dedicated following, it is not recommended for inexperienced enthusiasts.

Q: My cigars all have a bitter flavor. Is this common?

A: All tobacco has a bitter taste due to natural characteristics. For this reason, tobacco is fermented – a lengthy process which rids the tobacco of its acrid, acidic content. Once the tobacco is fermented, it takes on a smoother, mellower character and at times, often emits notes of sugar with a rich aftertaste. Most cigars have already been properly fermented before placed in boxes and sold by tobacconists. The point to understand is tobacco improves with age. When the leaves are taken for use after fermentation, there may be some that haven’t successfully finished the process and need more time to ferment. If those leaves are used in a blend, they could make a newly purchased cigar completely unappetizing – providing an ammonia flavor and smell, which no enthusiasts cares for. Unfortunately, this occurrence is somewhat common but can easily be eradicated with time and patience. If you receive a cigar that has ammonia flavors and is bitter, the problem can be fixed by simply allowing the cigar to age for at least 60 days. Leave the cigar(s) in a humidor set at 70 degrees Fahrenheit with humidity levels between 70% and 74% to ensure proper aging. After at least 60 days, the cigar should taste as the manufacturer intended.

he Oliva Family has left a substantial mark on the cigar industry over the past five years. As one of the world’s most reputable cigar makers, their highly rated blends can only be found at the most reputable tobacconists throughout the world. In 2007, Oliva received an unprecedented ‘94’ rating from Cigar Aficionado for their Serie ‘V’ line, which was also designated as the top new release that year. When blending, their quality and attention to detail has moved the Oliva Family through the ranks from small boutique cigar manufacturers to the anomaly they are today.

With Oliva’s flawless reputation, they were an easy choice as a partner for Nub creator Sam Leccia. Sam, a long time cigar enthusiast, has been fascinated with a cigar’s natural tendency to fully develop in strength and flavor about 1/3 of the way into the cigar. He referred to this portion of a cigar as its “sweet spot,” and noted that it was typically temporary and short lived. Convinced he could capture this “sweet spot” in a compact smoke that would maintain perfect flavor from start to finish, he enlisted the help of the Oliva Family to work on prototypes, and eventually Nub was born.

Nub are short, compact cigars designed to deliver the best part of a cigar, its essence, throughout the entire length of the smoke. They are available in a medium Connecticut, a medium Cameroon, or a medium to full-bodied Habano. These cigars are far from a gimmick. They are incredibly flavorful, and allow beginning enthusiasts to truly taste the essence of Cameroon, Connecticut, and Habano wrappers, in addition to creating a unique flavor and excellent aroma that experienced enthusiasts can enjoy.

Connecticut:
464 Torpedo (4" x 64) Very rich with a sweet core. Offers a toasty and crisp aftertaste with a creamy, milky texture. The smoke is very thick and the cigar is perfectly constructed. Average burn time is about 70 minutes. 89/100
[Buy Now]

460 (4" x 60) Slightly more robust upon first light, offering an earthy flavor with a sweet sensation in the back of the throat. Burned perfectly even from start to finish. Average burn time is about 60 minutes. 89/100 [Buy Now]

358 (3.7" x 58) Burned very cool. Produced smooth flavors of peanuts and cedar with a mellow finish. Smoke was a bit creamier than the 354. Average burn time is about 45 minutes. 88/100 [Buy Now]

354 (3.7" x 54) Smooth and silky with an easy draw, this size creates a mellow flavor with a rich aftertaste of cedar. Some sweet nuances throughout. Average burn time is about 40 minutes. 87/100 [Buy Now]


Habano:
460 (4" x 60) Oily wrapper offering a complexity that seems more potent than other Habano leaves. Much spice noticeable on the palate with a hint of sweetness in the finish. Average burn time is about 60 minutes. 90/100 [Buy Now]

464 Torpedo (4" x 64) Burned slightly uneven but still produced rich, toasty flavors with peppery nuances. Draw was a bit tight for the size and shape but this particular stick was incredibly complex and eventful. Average burn time is about 70 minutes. 90/100 [Buy Now]

358 (3.7" x 58) Rich with hints of espresso in the initial light. Becomes slightly more robust as the cigar burns and provides ample spice through the nose. Average burn time is about 45 minutes. 89/100 [Buy Now]

466 (4" x 66) Thick cigar that is slightly uncomfortable to hold between the lips. Offers a peaty taste with pepper and spicy sensations, much complexity and a robust finish. Average burn time is about 80 minutes. 88/100 [Buy Now]


Cameroon:
466 Box-Pressed Torpedo (4" x 66)
Incredibly rich and flavorful due to its box-pressed shape. Burns even with a perfect draw that produces earthy sensations masked by a sweet pepper-like nuance. The finish is very smooth and the stick burns slow, true, and cool. Average burn time is about 85 minutes. 90/100 [Buy Now]

358 (3.7" x 58) Toothy wrapper with a spicy flavor. The aftertaste contains sweet notes mixed with earth and the blend is a bit robust, but offers a smooth finish. Average burn time is about 50 minutes. 89/100 [Buy Now]

460 (4" x 60) Offers many competing nuances of earth and spice. Very complex with a sweet aftertaste and robust finish. Burned even and cool. Average burn time is about 60 minutes. 89/100 [Buy Now]

464 Torpedo (4" x 64) Offered intense spice through the nose and allowed for an even burn. Complex, but not as eventful as expected. Average burn time is about 70 minutes. 88/100 [Buy Now]

8/26/08: Donny's last show! Join Tim and Alex as they wish Donny good luck before he departs Cigar.com to pursue a career in music. We are sad to see him go, but he will always be part of the Cigar.com family. Light up one more cigar with Donny as he reflects upon the past, enjoys the present, and dreams about the future. [Listen Now]

Alec Bradley Tempus - Hailing from Honduras, Alec Bradley Tempus is a concoction of tobaccos cultivated since 2001, carefully selected strictly for their incredible quality and blended to create the ideal full-bodied cigar that is as smooth as it is flavorful.

Verdadero Organic - Verdadero Organic is an excellent cigar consisting of 100% organically grown tobacco hailing from the virgin soils at the base of the Mambacho volcano in Granada, Nicaragua.

La Herencia Cubana - La Herencia Cubana is a premium, hand-made, boutique blend that captures the essence of true Nicaraguan tobacco.

LXI Habano Sun Grown - LXI Habano Sun Grown is another excellent blend hailing from world-renowned cigar maker Mike Cusano. Known for their mild to medium-bodied cigars, LXI Habano Sun Grown is a welcomed edition to the Cusano line, becoming their first full-bodied powerhouse.

Rocky Patel I-Press - A limited blend from Rocky Patel, I-Press is a must try, especially for die-hard RP fans. Wrapped in a dark maduro leaf, I-Press is a box-pressed cigar that provides a rich flavor and slow burn.

Cigar.com (CC): What do you think makes Nicaraguan tobacco so special?

A.J. Fernandez (AJ): Nicaraguan tobacco is helped by the weather and soil. We cultivate our crops in the Valley and therefore the soil is very fertile. The Valley is right under the mountain and it receives the appropriate amount of sun and water so that it can create a perfect leaf.

CC: When you wanted to blend Man O’ War, what was your goal behind it?

AJ: My goal was to come up with a cigar with a great deal of strength and aroma, a cigar with perfect construction. I wanted to get that “wow” factor and I think I achieved it. I was always behind this project to make sure everything was simply perfect. It’s an excellent cigar!

CC: What flavors do you enjoy most from a cigar?

AJ: I tend to like anything that has a buttery and nutty flavor.

CC: How do you feel about cigars with larger ring gauges? Do you believe they can provide a better flavor?

AJ: Yes, I believe that they can provide a better overall flavor. It makes it easier not only to blend, but also to assort the filler and binder in order to get that final product by using the right proportions, which is a lot harder to achieve with cigars that have a smaller diameter or ring gauge.

CC: Let’s say you were not involved in the cigar industry. What other profession did you want to perform?

AJ: Nothing. The problem for me is that this industry is not only about business, it’s about a passion that has been inside of me since I can remember.

CC: Do you have any projects for the end of 2008 or beginning of 2009?

AJ: The project I have for the end of the year is the A.J. Fernandez label, which I have been working on for approximately one year. Thankfully, everything is almost ready for distribution.

CC: Why do you think people should try a cigar coming from Tabacalera Fernandez? What makes your cigars special?

AJ: I believe it's the passion that every worker has for what we do. We ferment the tobacco properly and we age them perfectly.

CC: If you had to describe certain aspects you like about each blend, for instance Sol Cubano Cuban Cabinet, what would you say you like about it?

AJ: The great aroma and complexity it has.

CC: What about Man O’ War?

AJ: That cigar encapsulates all the requisites that fascinate me. It has perfect construction and aging, everything.

CC: What cigar size do you prefer the most?

AJ: Toro size.

CC: I understand it’s your first trip to the US and you have been to Miami and now Pennsylvania. Which state do you like the most?

AJ: Miami was beautiful! It has that tropical weather similar to Cuba. But, I prefer Pennsylvania, because it reminds me of my peasant childhood. I love the open field and the farms.

CC: I know you grew up next to Alejandro Robaina. What was that like?

AJ: They were beautiful years. I acquired a lot of experience. It was a great relationship. Growing up, my grandfather had a small farm where he rolled cigars and Alejandro provided him with the tobacco and that is how everything started. As a kid I helped him sort out the leaf and with different tasks around the farm. When I became a teenager, I stayed with Alejandro to learn every single aspect about this industry and learn a lot of good things to make good cigars.

CC: Most people would say that you are relatively young to be in this industry. How old were you when you started learning about cigars?

AJ: I was 8 years old when I started helping around the farm.

CC: I understand that Cuban Tradition is a very important thing for you and when you started Tabacalera Fernandez in Nicaragua you chose supervisors and brought them from Cuba to help you oversee the production of your cigars. Why is this?

AJ: I like to bring them from Cuba to keep our tradition going. They also know a lot about proper fermentation and rolling procedures. I don’t want to save a cent here or there in anything. I always want things to be done right and I believe this is the way to do it.

CC: Sol Cubano Artisan is a difficult blend to roll, mostly due to its barber pole appearance. How many torcedors make this cigar?

AJ: Four out of three hundred. We decided to teach only the best rollers at the factory.

CC: You have been established in Nicaragua for four years. What will the next four years bring for Tabacalera Fernandez?

AJ: Over the next four years we just want to keep getting better at what we do to see if perhaps, someday, my passion for cigars can be fulfilled.