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Episode 009

Putting The AJ Fernandez Sunrise To The Test

AJ Fernandez · Robusto

Tasting notes

First third

The cigar opens with smooth, creamy notes of cedar, toasted almonds, and sweet hay. There is an immediate undercurrent of mild white pepper on the retrohale, giving it more character than a traditional, airy Connecticut

Second third

The creaminess evolves into a rich cafe con leche (coffee with milk) flavor. A distinct natural sweetness, resembling sweet tea or light honey, develops alongside a subtle leather note. The pepper transitions from white pepper to a slightly sharper black pepper spice.

Final third

The woodiness intensifies into a deeper, charred oak flavor. The spice moves to the forefront, blending baking spices (like nutmeg) with black pepper. The sweetness recedes, leaving a clean, crisp, and slightly savory finish.

Burn: Razor Straight

Draw: The draw leans toward the looser side, offering very low resistance.

Construction: The delicate Connecticut wrapper leaf is well-insulated by the rich Nicaraguan binder and filler underneath. It resists splitting or cracking, even when smoked outdoors in variable humidity