AJ Fernandez Last Call Maduro
The compact size of this Last Call Maduro Geniales from AJ Fernandez promises a short, intense smoking experience lasting around fifty minutes. Made from a blend that was originally only offered in small quantities to visitors at AJ Fernandez’s farms and factories, this cigar is now available as part of the regular range in Habano or Maduro versions.
At first glance, the maduro wrapper appears perfectly taut, with a slightly silky texture and a fine fuzz that can be felt beneath the fingers. A few fine veins are noticeable to the touch without detracting from the overall uniformity, and the texture reveals a firm body. The foot is tightly sealed, and the white and gold band adds an elegant touch.
Tasting notes
When unroasted, the nose is immediately dominated by a powerful cocoa note, complemented by an earthy base and a delicate hint of caramel. After a clean cut with the guillotine, the draw is slightly restrained, hinting at a promising aromatic profile.
It’s time to light it. The first puff is very spicy, with a sharp burst of pepper and chilli, quickly followed by a generous plume of smoke. The aroma reveals a hint of wood, although it’s difficult to detect due to the intensity of the spices, which give the nose a sharp tingle. The strength is immediate.
The burn is even, the ash is very white and flaky and holds its shape well, and the smoke is rich and generous – a pleasant surprise given the cigar’s small size. As the first third progresses, the spicy notes gradually fade, giving way to softer, woody notes.
The second third confirms this development. The earthy notes intensify noticeably and blend with an increasingly prominent cedar aroma. The strength, whilst not disappearing, diminishes slightly, giving way to a smoother, more rounded flavour profile. The spices, still very much present in the first part, have all but vanished. From time to time, subtle sweet and animal notes emerge, adding an interesting complexity without upsetting the balance. The burn remains impeccable and the ash, still very white and fluffy, continues to hold its shape without crumbling.
The final third follows directly on from the second. The earthy and woody notes linger but take on a smokier character, particularly towards the end of the tasting. The wine gains depth without becoming overpowering, allowing for a perfectly smooth transition right through to the finish.
Pairing
To enjoy this cigar on a hot summer’s day, a refreshing lemonade is the perfect choice: it provides a pleasant sensation of coolness whilst subtly balancing out the dominant spicy notes at the start of the tasting.
A cigar anecdote
Made from a blend that was originally only available in small quantities to visitors at AJ Fernandez’s farms and factories, this cigar is now available as part of the regular range.
About AJ Fernandez
AJ Fernandez comes from a Cuban family with a long history in the tobacco trade. Originally from San Luis, in the Pinar del Río region, he was immersed from childhood in the family expertise passed down from his father and grandfather.
In the early 2000s, AJ moved to Estelí, Nicaragua, to escape the constraints of life in Cuba. He started modestly, rolling cigars for prestigious brands such as Rocky Patel.
In 2005, he founded his own company, Tabacalera AJ Fernandez. His reputation grew rapidly as he rolled cigars for other brands.
In 2010, he launched his own private labels, starting with San Lotano – a tribute to his Cuban family heritage – followed by New World, Enclave, Dias de Gloria, Bellas Artes, Last Call, and others.
The brand is now one of the largest in Nicaragua: with two factories (Tabacalera AJ Fernandez de Nicaragua in Estelí and San Lotano in Totogalpa), it produces over 100,000 hand-rolled cigars a day.
