Last Call by AJ Fernandez (Maduro)

Last Call by AJ Fernandez (Maduro)

• Strength: 4 /  5
• Size: 4 x 52
• Origin: Nicaragua
• Price (local): $6.50
• Wrapper: Nicaraguan
• Flavor Text:

It’s Last Call… er, again? 

Much like the film ‘biz, we’re an industry obsessed with sequels. Unlike summer blockbusters, though, cigar manufacturers have a great track record of improving upon their original releases, crafting fitting tributes and mouthwatering line extensions that oftentimes outshine the first blend. Today, we welcome the Last Call Maduro by A.J. Fernandez to CI, and I’ve gotta say, this follow-up might just be the true masterpiece of the duo. 

Originally crafted as A.J.’s personal final cigar of the night, Last Call was released nationally just a few years back, and it went gangbusters. Today, we’re staring down the same blend, just donned in a Pennsylvania Broadleaf Maduro wrapper that’s silky-smooth in all the right ways. Lighting this one up, you’ll be greeted with a Molotov cocktail of dark chocolate, espresso, black pepper spice, and a thick, molasses-like sweetness in the background. 

About 6 weeks ago, I reviewed one of my favorite Habano cigars of all time, the Last Call by AJ Fernandez. The Last Call also comes in a Maduro wrapper, and while it isn't quite on the same level for me personally as the Habano, the Maduro has a lot of it's own unique characteristics that make it an incredible choice for Maduro lovers and those who like a nice, quick smoke break as they please.

The Last Call Habano and the Last Call Maduro are largely the same, and they both feature masterpiece Nicaraguan blends from the Master of Tobacco, AJ Fernandez. Obviously to most, the difference is going to be in the wrapper on these. While a Habano wrapper gives a lot of spiciness and kick with each draw, the Maduro wrapper offers a somewhat natural sweetness, as is common among all Maduro wrappers, with some more distinguished silkiness and smoothness that the Habano just doesn't possess. 

This cigar gives you exactly what you'd expect from a dark and inviting smoke like this one: lots of dark, dessert flavors with a bit of a kick to them. Cocoa and dark Brazilian coffee come to the forefront of this smoke, with pepper scattered throughout to stimulate your senses and some sweetness on the back end. Some might identify the back-end sweetness as it's own flavor, but I just attribute that note to the wrapper. It's got a very nice, milder sweetness to it that you won't catch unless you look for it, but like most Maduro cigars, it's a wonderful example of everything a Maduro cigar can offer with the proper blend and the attention it deserves.

Both Last Calls are amazing, quick smokes. They are a must-try for most smokers who smoke above the level of mild. I highly recommend them in any size, and I'd suggest them above all other mini-smokes if you like 20 minute cigars. Go get them.

Happy smoking! CB