Ave Maria Reconquista Torpedo

Launched under the guidance of master blender AJ Fernandez, the Ave Maria line quickly became one of the most admired boutique brands in the industry. From its inception, Ave Maria was crafted to embody elegance, strength, and artistry, reflected in its elaborate banding and medieval knight imagery symbolizing honor and tradition. The debut release was celebrated for its balance of refinement and boldness, and over time the brand expanded with blends like the Divinia, Immaculata, and Lionheart, each reinforcing Ave Maria’s reputation as a collection of cigars rooted in Nicaraguan craftsmanship but inspired by Old World heritage.

The Reconquista Torpedo is considered the crown jewel of the line—crafted in limited production and offered exclusively in a 7" x 54 torpedo vitola. Built with a Brazilian Habano Oscuro wrapper, a Honduran binder, and Cuban-seed Nicaraguan fillers from Estelí, Condega, and Jalapa, it delivers a full-bodied profile layered with pepper, espresso, oak, spice, and a dusting of cocoa, culminating in a long, toasty-sweet finish. To elevate the experience, pair it with a glass of Santa Teresa 1796 Dark Rum, whose caramel, dried fruit, and warm spice notes perfectly complement the cigar’s richness while smoothing its peppery edge. Together, they form a pairing that is both bold and timeless.

The Nicaraguan cigar industry originated when Cuban cigar makers escaped the revolution and re-established their livelihood in Nicaragua with Cuban-seed tobacco. Blessed with dark, rich soil, their new home was ideal for tobacco cultivation and Nicaragua quickly became known for cigars that rivaled Cuban quality. Unfortunately, revolution and war came to Nicaragua in the 1980s and devastated the industry, but it’s rebounded dramatically and is once again producing tobacco considered by many to be the finest in the world.

The Esteli Valley is in many ways the heart of Nicaraguan production and is known for its very powerful and spicy tobacco. The Jalapa Valley produces arguably the finest tobacco in the country: somewhat sweeter and less intense than Esteli, but extremely complex. The tobacco of the Condega Valley is often described as a blend of the other two regions.