AJ Fernandez New World Puro Especial

Purchased: 20-ct. Box Short Churchill (6 X 48)
Price: $102.30
Store: Atlantic Cigar
Buy Again: Yes
Box Worthy: Yes, obviously…
Experience Rating: 94

I was so completely wowed by this cigar when I first tried it at West Coast Cigars that I purchased a box the next day. Since then, I’ve smoked almost half the box, and my experience each time I’ve smoked one is the same as the first: It remains my favorite of the AJ New World line. There’s so much goodness in this $5.00 stick!

In the initial impressions I wrote about it back in September, I was simply amazed at how good it was. And since I’ve had them a few weeks now, they’ve gotten even better! The flavor profile remains basically the same (cream, leather, red pepper, black pepper, stone fruit, wood) and the flavors dance around from puff to puff, making it difficult for me to split up the smoking experience into stints.

One thing I might add to them as they’ve had a few weeks to rest, the second half is where this cigar starts to boogie. The background red pepper spice becomes a little more pronounced but not overpowering, and the strength kicks up a notch; more so than my first experience. And curiously enough, a sweetness akin to saltwater taffy adds to the flavor profile along with what I can only describe as a chai tea latte. Add all this to the continuous transitions. Damn! This is a winner! And at $5-$6/stick depending on where you get them, you just can’t go wrong with this cigar!

Like the Man O’ War Puro Authentico, this cigar packs a bit of a punch. The nicotine build-up is subtle. By the final third, yowza! I feel mellow. It’s a perfect after-dinner stick! As for strength, the cigar starts out medium/medium+ and by the second half it’s full strength. The smoke output is amazing with this cigar throughout the smoke, producing thick clouds of white smoke per draw. I’m in heaven!

I must slow down smoking these. Last week, I smoked three of them! At this rate, I’ll power through the box! But I’ve resolved to keep at least a couple for long-term aging. It’ll be interesting to see where the cigar goes after several months or even a year. I have a feeling that they will only improve.

The Short Churchill is the one that everyone seems to like online. They’re sold out at CigarPage, so there’s merit in that. I’ve raved about it in r/cigar_refuge on Reddit enough and I think people have caught on. 🙂

I’m down to the last couple of inches on the stick I’m smoking right now. I’m going to shut up now and enjoy the rest of the cigar!