IPCPR 2018: A.J. Fernández

The most talked about booth at the 2018 IPCPR Convention & Trade Show was neither the newest nor the largest. Instead, it was the one that set off the fire alarm. It’s still not entirely clear what happened, but at some point something in the A.J. Fernández booth sparked or caught fire, at least enough to set off one of the fire suppressant systems. That led to the delay in the trade show opening on day two and a large crowd to gather at the A.J. Fernández booth once the show opened.

As for the booth, not much has changed physically. I arrived after the day two fire fiasco, meaning the carpeting was no longer in the booth and the televisions were not turned on, but the cigars, furniture and structure seemed fine.

Bellas Artes Maduro

The star of the show is the new Bellas Artes Maduro, a follow-up to the Bellas Artes line. I for one am interested as the combination of Brazilian and Mexican tobaccos isn’t something we see on a regular basis.

• Wrapper: Brazil (Mata Fina)
• Binder: Mexico (San Andrés)
• Filler: Nicaragua

• Bellas Artes Maduro Short Churchill (6 x 48)
• Bellas Artes Maduro Robusto (5 1/2 x 52)
• Bellas Artes Maduro Toro (6 x 54)
• Bellas Artes Maduro Gordo (6 1/2 x 58)

Production: Regular Production

Release Date: July 2018

Enclave Broadleaf Belicoso

One of two extensions at the trade show, Enclave Broadleaf gets a large soft-pressed Belicoso.

• Wrapper: U.S.A. (Connecticut Broadleaf)
• Binder: Nicaragua
• Filler: Nicaragua

• Enclave Broadleaf Belicoso (6 x 56) — $10 (Boxes of 20, $200)

New World Puro Special Gordo

The New World Puro Especial gets a new larger size in the form of this 6 x 58 release.

• Wrapper: Nicaragua
• Binder: Nicaragua
• Filler: Nicaragua
• New World Puro Special Gordo (6 x 58) — $9.50 (Boxes of 20, $190)

Production: Regular Production

Release Date: July 2018

Humidors

These aren’t for sale, but could be coming to an A.J. Fernández event near you in the future.