AJ Fernandez Rosa de Guadalupe Exclusivo Gordo Cigar Review

11/11/2022

Yep, that's right another AJ Fernandez cigar.  He's like Steve Harvey is for TV.  He can make anything better and more entertaining.  I haven't yet watched a dud TV show with him and a haven't yet smoked a bad cigar from AJ.  

Another all Nicaraguan with a Mexican San Andres wrapper.  Got a 5 pack of these over a month ago.  Read that they need aged, but I couldn't wait any longer to try one.  I paid less, but prices for this large cigar around around $7 or less. 

This is a big cigar.  I used to mostly buy robustos, but now I buy mostly Toros and Gordos. I want at least an hour of relaxation.  

This one has good draw.  Supposed to be medium throughout.  First few minutes are mild to medium.  Smooth with slight earthy flavors.  Already picking up caramel and creamy nutty, sweet flavors.  

I promise not to exaggerate the flavors, like most internet reviews.  If it has subtle good flavors, but tastes not so good, I promise to tell you.  This one is pretty mild to medium, so I am tasting mostly good flavors. I'm glad I got the big ass size.  It is not strong so far, but very flavorful.  

It is Friday night. I want a full experience. Don't want a mild, quick smoke.  This one is delivering lots of flavors and is full of smoke.  No harshness or bite at all.  My palate already is filled with cream soda and sweetness.  

Dropped the ash a little early, no cone, but smoking good.  Still medium overall.  I am smoking it hard and it will get stronger as I puff it harder.  I like it a lot so far. 

Might be a little green.  Just the slightest bite when puffing it hard, but very smooth and creamy.  

It goes well with the Old Forester Bourbon I bought tonight.  Leaves a charred oak barrel taste on your tongue.  

Let's give thanks to no wind now, after Hurricane Nicole rolling through Georgia and Florida without too much damage.  Don't need fire fire tonight, 62 degrees now, but will drop a lot tomorrow.  

30 minutes in and a little transition.  Still very smooth. Mainly same caramel and cream soda taste.  Most of the transition was the first 2 inches.  Maybe even more smooth now.  Not complaining, it's a great smoke.  I think it's has gotten sweeter.  Still medium. 

I am feeling it now or maybe it's the bourbon.  I'm fully relaxed this Friday night.  All I know is I like this smoke.  Clouds of good flavors.  And it's burning slow and very satisfying. 

Is it a powerhouse? In a way, yes.  It just keeps delivering.  My palate has already changed from caramel sweetness to dried fruit and charred oak.  Now can really taste the Nicaraguan tobaccos.  It's definitely picked up strength.  Now the cream soda has some earthy flavors like a strong Nicaraguan cigar.  Lots more oak and licorice.  More body.  Still smooth, full of earthy flowers.  Some spice now that wasn't there before.  A lot more transition now.  Like a toasted smore that is loaded with nuts and oats.  Really good and strong now. 

Full bodied and full of flavor.  

Clouds clearing and can see the moon now.  And can hear deer coming out behind my house.  It's a great night and a great cigar.  

Great finish for a great cigar.  This cigar has needed not one touch up.  I'm gonna smoke it to the nub.  A little hot, but still great flavors.  

Got an hour and 20 minutes on it.  Even to the last puff, it was great.  Look forward to another one. I'm buzzed and super satisfied. 

Overall: 93

Flavor 94, complexity 93, burn 94, experience 94, value 92.