H. Upmann Nicaragua Heritage by AJ Fernandez Toro

H. Upmann is one of the oldest brands in the cigar world after being in existence for over 175 years. A.J. Fernandez is one of the most legendary cigar masters of our time. Together, they are unstoppable when they combine their talents. Hailing from the world renowned Tabacalera Fernandez in Estelí, Nicaragua, this third collaboration between these two icons may be their best one yet. Taking a peek under the sheets, this smokes features rare vintage tobaccos including Nicaraguan binder and fillers and a silky dark mocha-colored Brazilian Mata Fina Marduro wrapper. Bold and full of body, look for notes of chocolate and espresso, with hints of sweetness on the finish. Pair it with an equally bold Malbec, like Brandlin Estate Malbec 2019.

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.