H. Upmann by AJ Fernandez Toro

The H. Upmann by AJ Fernandez Toro is a modern, Nicaraguan-made interpretation of one of the cigar world’s oldest brands, originally founded in 1844. This collaboration blends H. Upmann’s historic identity with AJ Fernandez’s contemporary, flavor-forward style. Handmade in Estelí, the cigar features an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper, a Nicaraguan Corojo ’99 binder, and a blend of Nicaraguan and Dominican long-fillers.

Medium-to-full bodied, the profile opens with cedar, roasted nuts, and gentle spice, evolving into espresso, cocoa, and leather, with a touch of pepper on the finish. Smooth, balanced, and expertly constructed, it pairs seamlessly with a Cabernet Sauvignon, whose firm tannins and dark fruit mirror the cigar’s depth while enhancing its savory and roasted notes.

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.