AJ Fernandez Bellas Artes Habano Toro

AJ Fernandez has a vast portfolio, but he is best known for his work with other companies. Blending cigars for businesses like Montecristo, Artesano Del Tobacco, H. Upmann, and a whole host of others, AJ is a prolific blender, to say the least. Sometimes, however, I don’t think he gets the recognition for his own brands as much as he deserves. One such blend is his Bellas Artes Habano, a subtle and complex cigar from his portfolio. This is one of the more complex cigars that AJ has produced. I am a big fan of his work with Habano tobacco, and Bellas Artes takes the cake.

This cigar is rather unique, wrapped in a natural-shade hybrid wrapper. AJ refers to the hybrid as ‘Rojita.’ It is a cross-strain of three different types of tobacco: Havana 2000, Connecticut 8212, and Corojo ’99. It appears almost ‘reddish’ in color and light in shade. The binder is a Havana 92′ produced in Quilalí Nicaragua, a region rich in the tradition of growing tobacco since the 1800s. Mixed with Nicaraguan fillers from Condega, Esteli, and Jalapa, is a little of Honduras and Bazil.

This unique cigar is released in four different sizes:

AJ Fernandez Bellas Artes Habano Robusto 5.5×52
AJ Fernandez Bellas Artes Habano Short Churchill 6×48
AJ Fernandez Bellas Artes Habano Toro 6×54
AJ Fernandez Bellas Artes Habano Gordo 6.5×58

In terms of tasting, this blend is a flavor bomb, delivering intense notes of light pepper spice, toasted nuts, light creaminess, hints of floral and nutmeg, and a sweeter finish. While the notes are heavy, I wouldn’t say this cigar is. In fact, I would say it’s mild to medium in strength, with a much more full body and flavor. AJ Fernandez Bellas Artes shows another side of AJ’s blending style, and what I might say shows a more mature smoking experience from his portfolio.