Dias de Gloria by AJ Fernandez Robusto Extra

AJ Fernandez needs no introduction for experienced cigar lovers, being one of the most prolific and talented blenders in the entire industry. For his Dias de Gloria line, Fernandez was inspired by the “Glory Days” of the Cuban cigar industry prior to its takeover by the communists and the chaos that ensued as many of the most experienced growers and blenders fled the regime. It was a time when Cuban cigars were widely considered the best in the world, and Dias de Gloria is designed to evoke an aroma and flavor profile reminiscent of pre-1957 Cubans.

Dias de Gloria is crafted with tobaccos from four of Fernandez’s most mature farms, all of which are near Estelí, Nicaragua, and much of the blend has seen extensive aging up to seven years prior to rolling. This Nicaraguan puro, which boasts a gorgeous sun-grown wrapper, offers up a medium-bodied smoke with toasty notes backed up by vanilla, leather, earth, coffee, and pepper-like spice. We’re pairing ours with a bold cabernet, such as Louis M. Martini 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon.

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.