AJ Fernandez, the Estelí-based Nicaraguan maker known for a wide range of regular-production lines and factory collaborations, introduced Last Call as the first release in his Portfolio Series. The blend began as a private smoke that Fernandez shared with guests at his Casa Blanca estate during the final quarter of NFL games, functioning as the evening’s last cigar. After the original Habano version reached the market in 2016, the company followed later that year with Last Call Maduro. The Maduro uses a Pennsylvania Broadleaf wrapper (grown in Nicaragua) over Nicaraguan binder and filler, and it launched as a regular-production extension available in several short formats.
Stogie At A Glance
Review
First Half
Earthy, leathery notes with a slight peanut note when lighting the closed foot. A slight dark chocolate note comes out into the full flavor profile, almost nutty-like. Lots of leathery, earthy notes with a slight dark chocolate and pepper on the finish. Big leather notes with some earthy notes as well, and a slight dark cherry note comes out too, but it’s mainly earthy leather with spices directly on the palate and finish.
Second Half
In the second half, leather continues to dominate, but a sort of charred brownie note is coming out very lightly, which is enjoyable. There’s also dark chocolate and spices on the finish. Leather continues to be the predominant note, but it has gotten more complex as the cigar has continued. A little more of the burnt brownie note comes through, with espresso and dark chocolate on the finish.
Score
79/100