Raised in Cuba and steeped in the rich tradition of the Fernandez Cigar Legacy, Tabacalera Fernandez started in a decrepit facility in Estelí, Nicaragua with just six rollers. Rather than launching his own brand from the start, Fernandez first established himself as a manufacturer of cigars for other companies, such as the Rocky Patel Summer Blend 2008, which was produced in Fernandez's "Tafenic" factory in Estelí. Each brand is a unique smoking experience, a testament to AJ’s talent as a tobacco grower and blender. All components of each blend are selected based on strength, aroma and flavor in order to achieve a smooth and balanced smoking experience. AJ is truly a master of the fine art of balancing a cigar, always finding that perfect sweet spot of richness and flavor. When you put the finest fermented and aged tobacco in the hands of AJ, the result is New World, San Lotano, Bellas Artes and Enclave, just to name a few. With a cigar for every palate, you can rest assured when you smoke an AJ Fernandez portfolio cigar, you too will be all about Passion, Discipline and Great Tobacco!
Early on, AJ understood that to produce a quality cigar year after year, you have to grow your own tobacco in order to maintain consistency and supply. In a short period of time, AJ has been able to amass a real estate portfolio like no other that allows him to grow specific tobacco varietals for all of his blends.
Strategically located within the rich and fertile grounds of Nicaragua, AJ has made huge investments all throughout the country in order to produce his very own tobacco from all the major growing regions. Those regions include Condega, Jalapa, Esteli, Pueblo Nuevo, Quilali and the island of Ometepe. Each farm or finca as they are called in their native tongue, has a name that is very meaningful to AJ. Some of the names are Finca La Providencia, La Lilia, Los Espejos, San Jose, La Soledad, San Lotano, San Diego, Los Cedros and Santa Lucia.
