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Aging Room · Quattro Nicaragua

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Aging Room Quattro Nicaragua Maestro

The 2019 Cigar Aficionado #1 Cigar of the Year — a Nicaraguan puro rolled at Tabacalera AJ Fernandez that delivers layered complexity in a precise torpedo format.

Strength
Medium-Full
Smoke time ~70 min

Flavor profile

Roast · Sweet · Earthy · Spice

Critic ratings

Cigar Aficionado

2019

96/100

Scores as published by each reviewer. Casa DNC aggregates third-party ratings; we don't score cigars ourselves.

When Cigar Aficionado crowned the Aging Room Quattro Nicaragua Maestro its #1 Cigar of the Year for 2019 with a 96-point score, the cigar world took notice. Rafael Nodal of Boutique Blends partnered with AJ Fernandez to create an all-Nicaraguan puro that punches well above its modest price tag. Every leaf — from the silky Sumatra wrapper to the binder and layered filler — comes from Nicaraguan soil and is rolled at Tabacalera AJ Fernandez in Estelí.

The Maestro torpedo format (6 × 52) focuses smoke through a tapered head, concentrating rich notes of espresso, dark chocolate, and cedar on the palate. Black pepper kicks in on the retrohale while toasted nuts and a touch of natural sweetness round out the finish. Body sits firmly in the medium-full range, making it an ideal step up for smokers ready to move beyond everyday blends.

Construction is impeccable — the slightly oily Sumatra leaf gives the Maestro a natural draw and an even, cool burn right to the nub. If you've been exploring Nicaraguan tobacco versus Cuban classics, this cigar is a compelling argument for what the Estelí valley can produce at its best.

Log your sessions and discover what pairs with this classic on Casa DNC. Before lighting, check out how to cut a torpedo properly — a straight cut a few millimeters back from the taper delivers the best draw on this vitola.

Curious how it stacks up? See Cuban vs Nicaraguan cigars.

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