IPCPR 2016: A.J. Fernández

As one retailer put it: A.J. Fernández is everywhere. The factory is making new cigars for the two largest companies in the business, Altadis U.S.A. and General Cigar Co., as well as smaller companies like Boutique Blends and Foundation Cigar Co. And of course, A.J. Fernández.

While the booth is expected to return again, it will be with a fresh paint job. The booth itself remained busy, busy enough that it took three trips to get the video with Ricky Somoza recorded and there were also reminders about the other products the Estelí-based factory is making for other companies.

Bellas Artes

The new regular production brand from A.J. Fernández received strong praise from both retailers and some other manufacturers. It’s offered in four sizes and is one of the few cigars I actually smoked on the show floor.

• Wrapper: Nicaraguan Hybrid
• Binder: Nicaragua
• Filler: Brazil, Honduras & Nicaragua

• Bellas Artes Short Churchill (6 x 48) — $8.30 (Boxes of 20, $166)
• Bellas Artes Robusto (5 1/2 x 52) — $8.80 (Boxes of 20, $176)
• Bellas Artes Toro (6 x 54) — $9.50 (Boxes of 20, $190)
• Bellas Artes Gordo (6 1/2 x 58) — $10.50 (Boxes of 20, $210)

Release Date: September 2016

Production: Regular Production

La Gran Llave

While not new, the company is now handling distribution for La Gran Llave and LGL Limited.

Last Call / Last Call Maduro

The popular Last Call line adds new sizes, as well as a Maduro offering.

• Wrapper: Nicaragua (Pennsylvania broadleaf-seed)
• Binder: Nicaragua
• Filler: Nicaragua

• Last Call Maduro Geniales (4 1/2 x 48) — $5.25 (Boxes of 25, $131.25)
• Last Call / Last Call Maduro Chiquitas (3 1/2 x 50)
• Last Call / Last Call Maduro Corticas (4 x 52)
• Last Call / Last Call Maduro Pequeñas (5 x 46)
• Last Call / Last Call Maduro Flaquitas (6 x 46)

A.J. Fernández will add four sizes to both lines: Chiquitas (3 1/2 x 50), Corticas (4 x 52), Pequeñas (5 x 46) and Flaquitas (6 x 46). Those sizes will join the Geniales (4 1/2 x 48).

Release Date: September 2016

Production: Regular Production

San Lotano Edición Limitada

This was not officially being displayed, but it found a way to make an appearance in the booth. The new limited, pricier and stronger San Lotano is expected later this year with much different packaging than the original release. Final blend details have not been announced.

Release Date: Late 2016

Production: n/a

Davidoff is the official sponsor of halfwheel's coverage of the 2016 IPCPR Convention & Trade Show.