Empress of Cuba Habano Toro by AJ Fernandez

When it comes to powerhouse cigars, AJ Fernandez is a name that needs little introduction. Known for crafting some of the most consistently bold blends in the industry, AJ delivers again with the Empress of Cuba Habano Toro. Handmade in Nicaragua, this medium to full-bodied smoke is built on a foundation of Nicaraguan long-fillers and binder, all wrapped in a stunning Nicaraguan Habano leaf.

Once lit, expect rich flavors of coffee, cocoa, earth, and pepper, with a lingering spicy finish that commands attention yet stays balanced. It’s the kind of cigar that rewards a slow, thoughtful smoke—and it pairs perfectly with a strong black coffee. The roasted depth of the coffee mirrors the cigar’s earthy core, while the natural bitterness enhances the cocoa and pepper notes for a timeless, no-frills pairing.

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.