I’ve never been one to gravitate toward A.J. Fernandez cigars. While I respect the craftsmanship and the legacy, I’ve always found his blends too earthy, too harsh—just not my style. No matter how many times I tried, I could never quite connect with them. But last night, in a moment of curiosity (and maybe a little stubbornness), I decided to challenge my own palate. Instead of forcing myself to enjoy a cigar I had written off, I changed the approach.
I paired an A.J. Fernandez New World with a bottle of Alta Mora Etna Bianco 2022, a crisp, mineral-driven white wine from the volcanic soils of Sicily. My thinking? If the cigar was heavy, bold, and full of deep earthiness, maybe a bright, fresh, and slightly sweet wine would balance it out.
The Unexpected Harmony
From the first draw, something clicked. The harshness I’d always associated with the New World melted away, and in its place, I found complexity. Suddenly, the cigar made sense. The contrast between the deep, soil-like flavors of the cigar and the lively, citrusy notes of the wine created a dynamic experience. The retrohale, which usually felt overwhelming with this cigar, was smooth and enjoyable. I could finally taste the subtle nuances hidden beneath the boldness—the spice, the richness, the depth.
By the time I was halfway through the cigar, I knew I had cracked the code. This wasn’t just about pairing flavors; it was about unlocking an experience. The right pairing didn’t just complement the cigar—it redefined it.
A New Perspective
Would I smoke the New World again on its own? Probably not. But in this specific pairing, I genuinely enjoyed it. I could see myself revisiting this experience with an added twist—perhaps incorporating chocolate to enhance the sweetness or experimenting with other white wines like a Riesling or a Viognier to see how they play with the cigar’s earthiness.
The biggest takeaway? Sometimes, it’s not the cigar or the wine that’s the problem—it’s how they’re presented together. Finding the right balance can turn a forgettable smoke into a memorable one.
So, if there’s a cigar you’ve struggled to enjoy, maybe it’s not a lost cause. Maybe it just hasn’t met its perfect match yet.
Final Thoughts
This experience taught me something valuable: always keep an open mind. You never know when the right pairing will change your entire perception.
Have you ever found an unexpected pairing that changed your opinion on a cigar or drink? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Drop a comment and let’s talk pairings!
