Antonio By A.J. Fernandez

Description

Wrapper: Cuban Corojo (Proved too delicate for production)
Binder: Honduran Criollo
Fillers: Nicaraguan Esteli and Condega

Size: 5×50 Robusto

Body: A rich tapestry of aged tobacco and salted peanuts embraces the palate, creating a nuanced and savory foundation.
Foot: A subtle aroma of faint cedar emanates from the foot, introducing a delicate woody note that hints at the cigar’s complexity.
Cold Draw: The cold draw reveals an intriguing blend of aged tobacco and salted peanuts, with a touch of peach sweetness.

Tasting Notes: The opening draws envelop the palate in sweet cedar and hay, with a surprising twist of candied ginger and a medley of baker’s spices including cinnamon and nutmeg. A delicate balance is struck with a faint Nutella note—melding chocolate milk with hazelnut—and a subtle tamarind tang complemented by a hint of red pepper.

Progressing into the second third, the profile deepens with cedar and tamarind leading into a robust black pepper and roasted hazelnuts. The smoke becomes creamier, interspersed with cinnamon warmth on the finish. The retrohale surprises with wasabi and cedar, while fleeting notes of cocoa and raisin add a layer of complexity. The fruitiness becomes pronounced, weaving a rich tapestry of flavors.

The final third offers a crescendo of cedar, roasted hazelnut, an abundance of dried and fresh fruits, and cocoa. The black pepper retrohale transforms the smoke into a creamy and rich experience, closing with a nuanced finish of white pepper and oak.

Pairing Notes: A medium-bodied coffee or a spiced rum could elevate the Antonio’s intricate spice and fruit notes. This pairing highlights the cigar’s dynamic range from sweet to spicy, showcasing its ability to stand toe-to-toe with the great Cuban robustos, proving that nostalgia for Cuban cigars can be respectfully challenged by Nicaraguan ingenuity and quality.