AJ Fernandez El Pulpo Lancero

The A.J. Fernandez Amar Gordo is the largest format in the Amar series, launched in 2026, and is aimed at aficionados who prefer a generous ring gauge and plenty of smoke. Amar was created following the devastating fire at the A.J. Fernandez production facility in Estelí in 2025 and symbolises gratitude, solidarity and a new beginning. The name combines the Spanish word for ‘love’ with the symbolism of the moon, drawn from the Fernandez family’s Lebanese heritage. The Gordo translates this concept into a wholly Nicaraguan blend with a medium-bodied to full-bodied character, a creamy smoke texture and a harmonious interplay of spice, cocoa, coffee and nuts.

A.J. Fernandez Amar Gordo in a generous 60 ring gauge

Measuring 6 inches (approximately 152 mm) in length and with a ring gauge of 60, the Gordo has a diameter of around 23.8 mm. This large format offers a particularly generous volume of tobacco and, when smoked slowly, produces a cool and rich smoke. Like the other vitolas in the Amar series, the Gordo is also a Nicaraguan puro. The wrapper, binder and filler tobaccos all come from Nicaragua, with the wrapper classified as a Habano. The cigar is produced at the San Lotano factory in Ocotal.

Creamy roasted notes with a subtle sweetness

The wide ring gauge emphasises the smooth and creamy aspects of the blend. Tasters describe notes of coffee, nuts and earth, accompanied by subtle spice and dark chocolate. These may be complemented by notes of cinnamon, wood and a pleasant natural sweetness. Thanks to the large volume of tobacco, the flavour profile is broad and harmonious, whilst individual components are less pronounced than with a slimmer format. Coffee and nutty notes in particular pair well with the creamy smoke texture, lending the Gordo a relaxed, well-rounded character.

Large-format Amar enjoyment for when you’ve got plenty of time

The Gordo is particularly well suited to moments of enjoyment when there is plenty of time. Its large ring gauge calls for a slow smoking pace, but rewards this with a cool smoke and plenty of volume. Despite its imposing size, it is not necessarily the strongest Amar. Rather, the balance between the filler and wrapper ensures a broad, well-rounded flavour profile. Those who prefer large-format Nicaraguan cigars with notes of coffee, cocoa, nuts and spices will find the Gordo to be a particularly relaxed interpretation of the Amar blend.

Tasting Report

Cigar exterior: Reddish-brown, smooth and imposing.
Cigar interior: Dense and evenly rolled.
Smoke: Creamy with a generous volume of smoke.
Flavour: Coffee, nuts, earth, dark chocolate, cinnamon, wood and a subtle natural sweetness.
Burn: Slow, cool and even.