Bellas Artes AJ Fernandez Maduro Robusto Review

Bellas Artes AJ Fernandez Maduro Robusto Cigar Review

10/31/2022

Yes, another AJ Fernandez cigar from Nicaragua.  How many cigars has this guy made? I have no idea. 

I like Nicaraguan cigars and I've never had a bad cigar from him, so this should be good, priced pretty high at about $9.  

Box pressed, very firm feel.  Brazilian wrapper, San Andres binder, and Nicaraguan fillers from AJ's own fields.  

It's Halloween, kids are in bed, already finished the trick or treating, ate a bunch of candy, drank some tequila, now ready to end the night with a good smoke.  Just smelling this one pre-light, it should have good flavor.  Pre-light smell is not always a good indicator of a great smoke, but if I had a walk in humidor, I'd want it to smell like this. 

It's a good draw, starting off medium with slight cedar and spice.  Slightly sweet and earthy.  With the firm box press, it is full of smoke. I've only had a few months, but I can imagine what it might be like in a year or more.  

The foot is very firm, but close to the ash is a little loose, from the heat.  But it is burning cool, mellow, medium body and full of earthy, dark chocolate flavors with some spice on top.  

One tiny touch up with my lighter and the ash is perfect. 

I'm puffing it hard and it is delivering lots of sweet earthy flavors, along with strong pepper on top.  Pretty good so far.  20 minutes in and still has a 1.5 inch ash.  It's not a big cigar, but smoking slow and perfect.  

Finally got a good night for smoking: no wind, barely 60 out, with a small fire, it's no jacket weather.  Last few nights had swirling wind.  It rained the last few days, but my wood is mostly dry.  (Highly recommend the waxed cotton tarps over your wood pile). 

Yeah, I think this one needs more age, but still refined and no harshness at all.  I'm picking up more flavors on my palate.  More creamy chocolate.  Losing a little of the easy draw, but picking up a little more body in the profile.  It's wanting to develop into more, can taste more flavors in the aftertaste.  Definitely a great cigar.  Only smooth, robust flavors coming out.  All of the flavors are coming out: sweet chocolate and creamy toffee with a hint of spicy robust Nicaraguan undertones.  I really can't see anybody not liking this one. 

I'm probably smoking it too fast, but why not.  It's smoking great.  Still medium, but full of flavor.  Building body.  45 minutes in and I'm fully enjoying the flavors while starting to feel relaxation.  This is what I look for in all my smokes.  Sure, could it be stronger and deliver more body? Yes, but this perfect for a late Monday night.  I think this could be smoked any time and satisfy you for the whole day.  

It has transition many times from medium to slightly full throughout, but without any overpowering.  Always leaving great flavors to linger.  Can enjoy this one any way you smoke it. It just delivers deep good flavors.  And I'm now fully relaxed. 

About an hour on this robusto.  I now want to try a larger cigar for a Friday night.  But this one does everything right.  Smooth, creamy, deep flavors of chocolate and cream, with hints of spice.  To me, it is perfect.  In going to save the other 2 I have for a special treat. 

I'd say this is one the best cigars I've smoked in a while.  It's definitely box worthy if the price is right.  

Spice strong on my lips with great flavors fulfilling my palate.  Even to the nub.  

Overall: 94

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