Let's cut straight to the chase with the H. Upmann Nicaragua AJ Fernandez Heritage Torpedo - this 6⅛" x52 figurado from Estelí comes packing Nicaraguan firepower wrapped in Brazilian Mata Fina. At $9.83 per stick ($196.56/box of 20), it delivers AJ Fernandez's signature construction quality without breaking the bank.
Sharp black pepper hits immediately - not the sneaky Cuban type, but proper Nicaraguan pugilism. Earthy notes settle into espresso grounds and wet slate minerality. Retrohale shows AJ's house flavor: that charred cedar characteristic from his triple-fermented fillers.
The Brazilian wrapper flexes its muscles with molasses sweetness cutting through the pepper storm. Develops cinnamon-dusted almonds and 70% dark chocolate bitterness. Smoke output increases dramatically - this thing moves from conversational to need-an-ashtray territory.
Leather and hickory smoke dominate as nicotine builds. Savory umami note emerges (think soy sauce reduction) but watch that wrapper seam - tends to canoe if rushed. Capable of 90+ minute burn time, though most will tap out around the 75-minute mark from strength.
Drybox for 12+ hours - that oily wrapper needs airtime. Pair with espresso martinis to match its bitter-sweet profile. First-timers should eat a full meal first; this torpedo carries more Vitamin N than your average Nicaraguan puro.
This collab between Fernandez and Habanos SA's Rafael Nodal represents New World reinterpretation of Cuban legacy. The triple-capped torpedo shape nods to tradition, while the San Andrés-meets-Mata-Fina wrapper combo screams innovation. Box-worthy for those who like their smokes with teeth but still crave balance.
