The name “Dorado” derives from the Spanish word “gold,” and the tobacco used in this cigar is primarily from AJ Fernandez’s Dorado plantation located in Estelí, Nicaragua.
Because of the golden hue of the soil and the slightly golden hue of the tobacco leaves, he named this farm Dorado.
This is not like many of the volcanic soils in Estelí, which have a darker, almost black appearance. One of Fernandez’s most recent farms is the Dorado farm.
The AJ Fernandez Cigar Company introduced New World in 2014, which became the most successful brand for the business.
The brand’s initial goal was to honour the era of travel, precisely the moments when European explorers saw indigenous people smoking tobacco.
New World launched a very appealing $6.00 box-pressed Oscuro-wrapped offering. Five distinct lines have been added to the brand since then.
AJ Fernandez debuted the New World Dorado, the sixth blend in the range, in 2022.
Today we review the New World Dorado in the Robusto style in more detail.
1. AJ Fernandez New World Price & rating
Price: $12.00
Rating: 88
2. AJ Fernandez New World Offered Sizes
Corona: 5 5/8 x 46
Robusto: 5 1/2 x 52
Toro: 6 x 54
Figurado: 6 x 56
Gordito: 5 1/2 x 60
3. AJ Fernandez New World Specifications
Vitola: Toro
Length: 6″
Ring Gauge: 54
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano Sun Grown
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: Tabacalera AJ Fernandez Cigars de Nicaragua S.A.
Blender: AJ Fernandez
Release Date: September 2022
Contributed by: Blind Man’s Puff
4. AJ Fernandez New World Cigar review
This cigar isn’t for you if you’re looking for a mild flavour profile that will gradually change and layer as it burns. To be honest, I’m not sure what in AJ Fernandez’s profile would fit that description.
It’s highly likely that AJ Fernandez has the most uniform blending approach of any company—not to be confused with a factory—aside from Padrón.
It’s large, robust, and, with this specific cigar, somewhat unrelenting.
The New World Dorado had an assertive earthy and pepper character that reminded me a lot of some of the more complex high-proof bourbons from the third or fourth puff on.
Like those bourbons, I wouldn’t reach for this more than a few times a month; it would be too challenging for me to smoke a cigar like this and then hope to detect subtle floral notes in a light Cuban cigar the next day.
However, there are moments when I want to crank up the volume, and this can certainly satisfy that guilty pleasure.
5. Looks & feel
The Nicaraguan Habano wrapper of the New World Dorado Robusto was a deep caramel hue. The wrapper’s surface has some oils on it.
There were also several noticeable veins and seams on the wrapper’s surface.
The cigar itself featured a “softer” box press, similar to the Cuban press, meaning that its corners are not as sharp.
6. Ash, Draw & burn
Touch-ups were necessary to maintain the New World Dorado Robusto burning straight.
The touch-ups worked, but they had to be numerous.
The burn line continued to be a little ragged.
The ash that was left behind wasn’t very hard.
A little bit of mild blossoming occasionally appeared.
This was an ash with a complexion of salt and pepper. In the meantime, the burn temperature and burn rate remained at optimal levels.
Open but not loose was the draw for the AJ Fernandez New World Dorado Robusto.
Generally, I like my resistance on my pull to be a little bit higher. In the end, this did not lead to any unpleasant smoking-related events.
7. New World Dorado Flavors
Pre-light
The New World Dorado Robusto’s cap was taken off with a clean cut. After taking off the cap, it was time to start the pre-light draw procedure.
This pre-light draw had a lot going on for me; I detected notes of dirt, leather, natural tobacco sweetness, and a faint floral flavour.
Even though I’m not the biggest fan of floral scents in cigars, I thought the pre-light draw was good enough.
It was now time to toast up the footer, take off the New World Dorado Rosado ribbon, and proceed to the smoking stage.
First Third
Dorado in the New World Notes of dirt, baker’s spice, and natural tobacco accompanied the robusto’s opening.
Early on, the earth sounds took centre stage. Then a berry note emerged, joining the earth tones at the front.
The natural tobacco and spice of the baker subsided in the background. The retro-hale had a coating of black pepper.
Black pepper joined the background sounds later in the first third.
Second Third
The earth notes and natural tobacco notes came together in the second third of the New World Dorado Robusto.
In the background, the berry notes blended in with the baker’s spice and pepper.
The earth notes become the only primary note by the halfway point.
The flavours were balanced by the pepper, fruit, baker’s sauce, and natural tobacco.
Final Third
The earth tones persisted as the major focus by the last third. Berries, baker’s spice, pepper, and natural tobacco all had a supporting role.
Although there was more pepper present, it was still a supplementary flavour.
The New World Dorado Robusto ended in this manner.
The resulting nub had a cold temperature and felt velvety to the touch.
Final puff
When it first came out, the AJ Fernandez New World Dorado Robusto had a medium body and medium strength.
While all qualities remained in the medium range, there was a slight increase in each along the way.
Ultimately, the body gained a little advantage over the strength in the second half when it came to strength vs body.
In general, I felt that smoking the New World Dorado Robusto was a good experience. The cigar’s flavour is best in the first third of its taste.
The flavours of this cigar get blah after it enters the second half. The flavours are good and don’t get too strong on the one hand.
However, it’s fair to say that the cigar lacked the “wow” element that I had anticipated. Nevertheless, this cigar receives an impressive 88 points.
It’s sufficient for me to suggest this cigar to every smoker, regardless of expertise level. I would definitely go buy and smoke that cigar again.
FAQS
How much is AJ Fernandez Dorado?
New World Dorado is available in four sizes: Robusto, which measures 5 1/2 inches by 52 ring gauge; Toro, which measures 6 by 54; Gordito, which measures 5 1/2 by 60; and a double-tapered, 6-by-56 Figurado. All of the products are made in Nicaragua at Fernandez’s San Lotano plant. Their recommended retail prices fall between $11 and $12.80.
What is AJ Fernandez New World flavor profile?
It has a smooth, deep profile with notes of earth, espresso, and a dense variety of sweet and spicy aromas. The flavours and power perfectly build up to an exhilarating finish as it burns.
Where is New World cigars made?
The cigar in question is called New World Dorado, and it is composed entirely of tobacco from Nicaragua, the majority of which comes from the company’s Dorado farm in Estelí. The blend is made in the San Lotano Factory in Ocotal, and it is finished with a habano sun-grown wrapper.
What is the history of AJ Fernandez?
In 1979, Fernandez was born in San Luis, Cuba. His grandpa owned a tobacco farm, thus his family has a long history in the tobacco business. Growing up surrounded by tobacco fields, Fernandez received early instruction from his family in the technique of tobacco cultivation and blending.