Bellas Artes Maduro Robusto (Top 25 2018)

10. Bellas Artes Maduro Robusto

A.J. Fernández

  • Country of Origin: Nicaragua
  • Factory: Tabacalera AJ Fernandez Cigars de Nicaragua S.A.
  • Wrapper: Brazil (Mata Fina)
  • Binder: Mexico (San Andrés)
  • Filler: Nicaragua (Estelí)
  • Length: 5 1/2 Inches
  • Ring Gauge: 52
  • Vitola: Robusto
  • MSRP: $9.30 (Boxes of 20, $186)
  • Release Date: July 2018
  • Number of Cigars Released: Regular Production
  • Original Score: 91

Abdel Fernández is no stranger to unique cigar blends, but the Bellas Artes Maduro may very well be one of the company's most ambitious creations to date and is said to have been inspired by owner Fernández’s visits to Cuba’s national art museum in Havana, the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes de la Habana.

During this year's IPCPR Convention & Trade Show, A.J. Fernández released a maduro version of its Bellas Artes line, using a Brazilian mata fina wrapper, Mexican San Andrés binder and fillers from the company's farms in Estelí, Nicaragua. The aptly named Bellas Artes Maduro debuted in four regular production vitolas packaged in boxes of 20 and shipped to retailers in July.

The profile features a combination of sweet and spicy notes that reminds one of Thai cooking, as well as ample amounts of black pepper, dark chocolate, coffee, earth and apples. Throw in the near flawless construction for both the burn and draw and it is easy to see why the Bellas Artes Maduro garnered the tenth spot on our Top 25 this year. — Brooks Whittington.

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