AJ Fernandez Last Call Maduro
The compact format of this Last Call Maduro Geniales from AJ Fernandez promises a short, intense fifty-minute tasting session. Made from a blend that was originally only available in small quantities to visitors to AJ Fernandez farms and factories, this cigar is now available in regular production in habano or maduro versions.
At first glance, the maduro cape appears perfectly taut, with a slightly silky feel and a fine fuzz perceptible under the fingers. A few fine veins stand out to the touch without disturbing the homogeneity of the whole, and the touch reveals a firm body. The foot is closed and the white and gold ring adds an elegant touch.
Tasting note
Raw, the nose is immediately marked by powerful cocoa, complemented by an earthy base and a delicate touch of caramel. After a straight guillotine cut, the print shows a slight restraint, revealing a fine aromatic promise.
It's time to light up. The first puff is very spicy, with a frank attack of pepper and chilli, quickly accompanied by a nice smoke release. Retroolfaction reveals a touch of wood, although this is difficult to do because of the intensity of the spices, which strongly tingle the nose. The power is immediate.
The burn is regular, the very white, flaky ash remains firmly in place, and the smoke appears full and generous, which is pleasantly surprising given its small size. As the first third progresses, the spices gradually fade, giving way to softer woody notes.
The second third confirms this development. The earthy notes intensify noticeably, mingling with an increasingly present cedar. The power, without disappearing, diminishes slightly in favour of a more mellow, rounded aromatic profile. The spices, still very present in the first part, have all but disappeared. From time to time, slight touches of sweetness and animality make their appearance, adding interesting complexity without upsetting the balance. The burn remains impeccable and the ash, still very white and fluffy, continues to hold without falling off.
The last third is a direct continuation of the second. The earthy, woody notes persist but take on a smokier character, particularly at the end. The whole gains in depth without becoming aggressive, allowing a perfectly smooth transition to the finish.
Pairing
To accompany this cigar on a hot summer's day, a cool lemonade is ideal: it provides a pleasant sensation of freshness while subtly counterbalancing the dominant spicy notes at the start of the tasting.
