AJ Fernandez
Third-generation cigar making rooted in Cuba and established in Estelí
- Family
- Run by third-generation cigarmaker Abdel Y. Fernandez
- Made in
- Nicaragua
- Factory
- Tafenic factory, Estelí, Nicaragua
- Lines here
- 25
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The house
The story of AJ Fernandez
A.J. Fernandez Cigars traces its roots to San Luís, Cuba, where Abdel Y. Fernandez’s grandfather started the San Lotano brand. That original Cuban marque was made before the Cuban Revolution of 1959 and was later discontinued.
Tabacalera Fernandez began in a decrepit facility in Estelí, Nicaragua, with only six rollers. Fernandez initially built the company by manufacturing for other businesses rather than immediately introducing his own brand. The Rocky Patel Summer Blend 2008 was among the cigars produced at his Tafenic factory in Estelí.
Fernandez gained wider recognition as the manufacturer of Man O’War and Diesel for Cigars International and its associated companies. Both lines launched in 2009. Further Man O’War and Diesel blends followed in 2010 and 2011, spanning claro, Colorado-maduro and full-bodied expressions.
In the summer of 2010, Fernandez revived San Lotano, reconnecting the Nicaraguan company with the brand created by his grandfather in Cuba. By 2013, A.J. Fernandez Cigars sold in more than 32 countries. On March 31, 2025, a fire at the Estelí factory damaged its packaging department and destroyed millions of cigars.
Milestones
Moments that made the house
- 2008
Contract production in Estelí
The Rocky Patel Summer Blend 2008 was produced at Fernandez’s Tafenic factory.
- 2009
Man O’War launches nationally
Man O’War was introduced nationally in the United States as a medium-to-full-bodied blend.
- 2009
Diesel debuts
Diesel launched with the 5-inch Unholy Cocktail belicoso.
- 2010
San Lotano revived
Fernandez revived the long-discontinued brand previously made by his grandfather in Cuba.
- 2010
Portfolio expands
Man O’War Virtue, Man O’War Ruination and Diesel Unlimited were introduced.
- 2011
New Man O’War releases
Man O’War Puro Authentico and the limited-production Man O’War Armada were introduced.
- 2013
International distribution
The company sold in more than 32 countries, with markets outside the United States providing about 10% of sales.
- 2025
Fire at Estelí factory
A fire damaged the packaging department and destroyed millions of cigars on March 31.
Details
Things most people don't know
- Small beginning
- Tabacalera Fernandez began in a decrepit Estelí facility with six rollers.
- Cuban roots
- Abdel Y. Fernandez’s grandfather started the San Lotano brand in San Luís, Cuba.
- First approach
- Fernandez initially manufactured cigars for other companies instead of launching his own brand.
- Original Diesel size
- Diesel debuted with one vitola, a 5-inch belicoso called the Unholy Cocktail.
- International reach
- By 2013, the company sold its cigars in more than 32 countries.
- Factory fire
- A March 31, 2025 fire destroyed millions of cigars in the Estelí factory’s packaging department.
In the humidor
AJ Fernandez up close
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