AJ Fernandez Amar

After the fire at his Tabacalera AJ Fernandez factory in Nicaragua back in March 2025, I was curious to see what would come next. Instead of slowing down, AJ turned that setback into motivation, and the result is Amar by AJ Fernandez—a cigar that feels like a true reflection of resilience and passion.

The name itself carries a lot of meaning. “Amar” translates to “to love” in Spanish, while in Arabic it means “moon,” a nod to AJ’s Spanish and Lebanese background. That personal connection gives the cigar even more character before you even light it up.

Amar is a Nicaraguan puro wrapped in a beautiful Habano leaf and produced at the San Lotano Factory in Nicaragua. From the first few draws, I picked up a balanced mix of pepper, cocoa, and a touch of cinnamon that kept the profile interesting throughout the smoke. It sits comfortably in the medium-to-full-bodied range without overpowering the palate.

Anytime AJ Fernandez releases a new blend, it immediately gets my attention, and Amar definitely lived up to the anticipation. To me, this cigar represents more than just another release—it’s a reminder that challenges can lead to something even better. If you’re an AJ fan or just enjoy well-crafted Nicaraguan cigars, Amar is one worth making room for in your humidor.