H. Upmann Nicaragua by AJ Fernandez Sunrise Toro
Profile
- Origin: Nicaragua
- Factory: AJ Fernandez Factory, Estelí, Nicaragua
- Master Blenders: AJ Fernandez & Rafael Nodal
- Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut-seed
- Binder: Nicaraguan
- Filler: Nicaraguan
- Size: Toro — 6 x 54
- Strength: Medium
- Body: Medium
- Character: Creamy, smooth, nutty, cedary, with restrained spice
The Experience
The H. Upmann Nicaragua by AJ Fernandez Sunrise is a different side of AJ Fernandez. Rather than bringing the power and intensity associated with many Nicaraguan blends, Sunrise focuses on balance, creaminess, and approachability. It is essentially a Connecticut cigar with considerably more character than the typical morning smoke.
The combination of Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper and Nicaraguan tobaccos creates a smooth but flavorful experience, with cedar, toasted nuts, coffee, cream, and a touch of spice developing throughout the Toro. (JR Cigars)
First Third
The opening is creamy and inviting, with toasted cedar and roasted nuts immediately noticeable. There is a gentle white-pepper spice underneath the creaminess, along with a subtle natural sweetness. Coffee begins to emerge as the cigar settles in.
Second Third
The second third is where the Toro really finds its rhythm. Creamy coffee, toasted almond, cedar, and roasted nuts become more pronounced. The Nicaraguan tobacco provides depth without overpowering the Connecticut wrapper.
The smoke remains smooth, but there is enough flavor and subtle spice to keep the experience interesting.
Final Third
The final third becomes slightly richer, with coffee and cedar moving toward the forefront. The roasted-nut character remains present, while a mild peppery spice and natural sweetness linger on the finish.
Rather than becoming aggressively strong, the cigar maintains its balance through the finish.
Construction & Burn
The 6 x 54 Toro provides an excellent format for this blend, giving the tobaccos enough time to develop without making the cigar feel overly long. Construction is solid, with an easy draw and generous smoke production. (JR Cigars)
Overall Experience
A very well-balanced medium-bodied Connecticut with legitimate Nicaraguan character.
Sunrise is designed to be smoother and more approachable than the original H. Upmann Nicaragua by AJ Fernandez and the Heritage, while still retaining enough flavor to satisfy experienced cigar smokers. All of the tobacco in the blend was grown, fermented, and aged by Fernandez. (Cigar Aficionado)
Why It Stands Out
What makes Sunrise interesting is that it doesn’t fall into the “Connecticut equals bland” category.
AJ Fernandez and Rafael Nodal have taken a traditionally lighter wrapper and paired it with Nicaraguan tobacco to create something creamy and approachable while still delivering coffee, cedar, nuts, spice, and depth.
The Toro 6 x 54 may be the sweet spot of the line because it gives the blend enough room to develop gradually.
Pairing Suggestions
- Fresh espresso
- Café con leche
- Medium-roast coffee
- Bourbon
- Light rum
- Toasted almonds or other roasted nuts
Burnt Leaf Insight
Don’t let the Connecticut wrapper fool you.
This isn’t simply a mild morning cigar. It’s a thoughtfully blended medium-bodied Nicaraguan cigar that happens to wear a Connecticut wrapper.
For the smoker who wants the craftsmanship and Nicaraguan character of AJ Fernandez without the heavier strength of some of his more powerful blends, the Sunrise Toro hits a very nice middle ground.
A cigar that proves “smooth” doesn’t have to mean “boring.”
