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Editorial score
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Organoleptic profile
Strength
medium
Balance
very good
Draw
slightly tight
Intensity
expressive
- Bouquet
- complex
- Finish
- long
- Ash color
- gray
- Smoke output
- medium
Aroma profile
Secondary aromas
Tasting notes
The A.J. Fernandez Enclave Figurado presents itself with an alluring appearance, embodying a beautiful chocolate-colored wrapper and elegant décor. Its Ecuadorian wrapper is smooth to the touch and has a velvety texture, reflecting a promise of quality and craftsmanship. In hand, this figurado cigar feels both substantial and balanced, asserting its identity at first glance.
Upon lighting, the first olfactory contact is a revelation; a harmonious blend of roasted coffee and black pepper is released, complemented by subtle notes of dark chocolate. The draw, although a bit difficult, reveals an aromatic complexity that only strengthens as you progress. The flavors evolve, offering a rich palette of nuances, from nuts to spices, immersing the taster in a true dance of flavors.
On the palate, the experience refines through the thirds. The first third offers a creamy texture, dominated by woody notes and a slight sweetness. The second third, more dynamic, playfully mixes caramel aromas and spices, accompanied by salty crispness that tantalizes the taste buds. In the final third, the strength becomes apparent, with coffee taking the lead, bringing a sensation of depth and character that one would appreciate even after a hearty meal.
The finish reveals itself to be long and persistent, with a perfect balance between strength and sweetness; the sensation left on the palate evokes a slight bitterness softened by a pleasant saltiness. This cigar, thanks to its craftsmanship and complex aroma, is ideal for contemplative tasting moments, where one can truly appreciate the richness of its essences.
Whether you choose to pair it with a fine rum or a robust black coffee, the A.J. Fernandez Enclave Figurado will adapt and enrich your consumer experience, whether in the evening or after a delightful meal.
Community impressions
Cigar enthusiasts highlight its complex aroma and its ability to provide an evolving experience, with notes of coffee and nuts. Although it features a slightly challenging draw, the richness of the flavors and the overall balance reveal a delightful tasting adventure. A recommended choice for those who appreciate cigars rich in character.
How to taste: A.J. Fernandez Enclave Figurado
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1.The Visual Examination
The A.J. Fernandez Enclave Figurado features a natural, light brown to golden wrapper with a silky texture to the touch. Its construction is mediocre, and its Salomón format of 165.1 mm (6½") with a ring gauge of 52 catches the eye with its elegance.
This step is crucial as the color and texture of the wrapper can indicate the quality of fermentation. Paying close attention to construction allows for anticipating potential combustion issues.
2.Pre-light Aromas
By sniffing the cigar before lighting, one can detect notes of coffee, pepper, and nuts, with a subtle sweetness of caramel. These aromas blend with a delicate background of cedar and spices.
These initial aromas represent the true nature of the tobacco, preparing one for the transformations that will occur during combustion. This helps to refine focus on the flavors that will emerge during tasting.
3.The Cut
The standard straight cut allows access to the filler of the cigar without altering the wrapper. At this stage, it is essential to ensure that the cut is clean to guarantee an optimal draw.
A successful cut is essential to ensure a steady airflow during tasting. A mistake at this stage can lead to uneven combustion, detracting from the overall experience.
4.Cold Draw
The cold draw of the A.J. Fernandez Enclave Figurado proves to be a bit difficult, which may indicate excessive compaction of the filler. This requires special attention in terms of cutting and lighting.
Testing the cold draw before lighting allows for identifying any manufacturing defects. A hesitant draw signals the need for a potential re-cut to prevent discomfort during smoking.
5.Lighting
During lighting, it is vital to ensure an even burn at the foot of the cigar. A meticulous lighting maximizes the release of the aromas present in the filler.
Proper lighting is fundamental to avoid canoeing, thus ensuring a homogeneous smoking experience from the start. Attention here reduces the risk of imbalance in future flavors.
6.First Third
The first third of the cigar reveals a medium strength with dominant aromas of coffee, pepper, and nuts, accompanied by a moderate volume of smoke. These initial impressions are often very revealing.
This first contact with the aromas allows for an immediate grasp of the intensity and flavor profile of the cigar, thus establishing expectations for the remainder of the tasting.
7.Second Third
At this stage, secondary aromas such as cedar, spices, and chocolate begin to emerge, enriching the overall profile. The balance remains very good, creating a pleasant experience.
This evolution of flavors reveals the complexity of the blend and highlights the cigar's ability to offer a nuanced tasting experience. A good balance at this stage is a sign of mastery in the composition of the blend.
8.The Finish
The ashes of the A.J. Fernandez Enclave Figurado are gray, indicating a correct burn. The finish presents a slight bitterness accompanied by a gentle residual saltiness, with notable length.
Analyzing the color of the ashes and the finish provides clues about the quality of the leaf drying and the mineral content of the origin soil, influencing the final perception of the cigar.