Hey everyone, Mike here again with another cigar review for you! This week I’m diving into the AJ Fernandez New World Cameroon, and let me tell you right up front – this one’s going to be a shocker in all the right ways. I’m sitting here on Labor Day with some 90-degree weather and a bit of wind, but nothing’s going to stop me from enjoying what turned out to be an absolutely phenomenal smoke.
The AJ Fernandez New World Cameroon: Specs and First Impressions
Let me break down what we’re dealing with here. The AJ Fernandez New World Cameroon is a 6×60 box press, and here’s something interesting – despite being a 60 ring gauge, the box press really changes how this cigar feels in your hand. It doesn’t have that overwhelming bulk that some 6×60 cigars can have. The box press pulls it down and makes it feel more like a grand toro, which is much more manageable.
The wrapper is Cameroon (obviously, given the name), and the rest of the tobaccos are Nicaraguan from Estelí. Now, I need to tell you something right off the bat – I’m a sucker for Cameroon wrapper cigars. I think Cameroon is one of the best wrappers out there, and when you can get it in a blend that’s just right, it’s absolutely amazing.
Price-wise, you’re looking at around $8.00 for the high end, and it goes down from there depending on whether you’re buying singles, five-packs, or boxes. Prices will vary in your area with taxes and all that, but it’s definitely in that accessible range where you can enjoy a premium smoke without breaking the bank.
Construction and Cold Draw: Setting High Expectations
The construction on this cigar is absolutely beautiful. I’m talking about flawless presentation – no veins protruding, nothing sticking out where it shouldn’t be. AJ Fernandez really knows what he’s doing when it comes to cigar construction, and it shows right from the moment you take this stick out of the box.
The cold draw was a real eye-opener. I got a beautiful open draw with some interesting chocolate notes coming through. That’s not something you always get on a cold draw, and it definitely set my expectations high for what was to come. When a cigar gives you that kind of preview, you know you’re in for something special.
Initial Light and First Third: Smooth Operator
This cigar fired up beautifully – no issues with the light at all. Right from the first puff, I was hit with that nice sweet taste that carried over from the cold draw, along with a little bit of pepper that you can really feel, especially on the retrohale.
But here’s what really impressed me about this AJ Fernandez New World Cameroon: it’s incredibly smooth. I’m talking about a smoke that literally coats the inside of your mouth in the best possible way. It reminds me of some old commercial – maybe something about chocolate – where they talk about how it coats your mouth. That’s exactly what this cigar does.
The flavor profile in the first third centers around that sweet tobacco taste with pepper notes and a distinct leathery character. There was a moment where I thought I was getting some minty notes, but I realized that was probably just residual toothpaste, so we’ll discount that one.
Power Level: Perfectly Balanced Medium
One thing I really appreciate about the AJ Fernandez New World Cameroon is its consistency in strength. This cigar started out as what I’d call a high mild to low medium and stayed right in that medium range throughout the entire smoking experience. There’s no wild fluctuation, no sudden spikes in power – just a nice, steady medium smoke that you can enjoy without worrying about getting overwhelmed.
This isn’t a powerhouse cigar, and it’s not trying to be. Don’t go into this expecting full body, full flavor intensity. Instead, what you get is a perfectly balanced medium cigar that delivers consistent enjoyment from start to finish.
Second Third: Flavor Evolution and Development
As I moved into the second third, after removing the first band (which came off perfectly, by the way – no issues whatsoever), the flavor profile started to evolve in some really interesting ways.
The cinnamon notes that I’d been picking up became much more pronounced, and they paired beautifully with what I was calling that green apple flavor. Now, when I say green apple, I’m talking about more of a cooking apple rather than a regular eating apple. You know how cooking apples have that slightly more tart, meaty character to them? That’s exactly what I was getting here.
The leathery taste that was predominant in the first third took a back seat to these cinnamon notes, creating a really nice flavor transition that kept things interesting without being jarring or sudden.
The Mouth-Coating Experience
I have to spend a moment talking about something really special about this cigar – the way the smoke coats your entire mouth. I kept coming back to this throughout the smoke because it’s just so impressive. When you take a puff, it feels like the smoke just envelops your palate and stays there, giving you time to really appreciate all the flavors that are going on.
The smoke volume is excellent – you get great, thick clouds that feel substantial and satisfying. Combined with that mouth-coating quality, it creates a smoking experience that’s genuinely luxurious.
Final Third: Consistency Through to the End
As I moved into the final third, after removing the second band, the flavor profile continued to evolve while maintaining that core character that made this cigar so enjoyable from the start.
The leather notes that had taken a back seat in the second third completely disappeared, replaced by cedar notes that worked beautifully with the ongoing cinnamon and green apple flavors. That green apple characteristic stayed present throughout the entire cigar, and it was a big part of what created that amazing palate-coating effect.
The cigar maintained that perfect medium strength right through to the end. I never felt any nicotine hit – no shakiness or anything like that. It just remained a pleasant, relaxing smoke that was perfect for a Labor Day afternoon.
Burn and Construction Performance
I have to give credit where credit’s due – this AJ Fernandez New World Cameroon performed flawlessly from a technical standpoint. The burn was even throughout, I never had to do any touch-ups or corrections, and both bands came off without any issues when it was time to remove them.
The box press construction really works well with this size. Like I mentioned earlier, even though this is technically a 6×60, the box press makes it feel much more manageable. It doesn’t have that overwhelming bulk that can sometimes make larger ring gauge cigars less enjoyable.
AJ Fernandez: A Master at Work
I have to take a moment to appreciate what AJ Fernandez has accomplished with this blend. The man just does phenomenal work with cigars, and this New World Cameroon is a perfect example of why he’s earned his reputation in the industry.
This cigar has been out for a couple of years now, but this was actually my first time trying it. Sometimes you just miss things, you know? But I’m definitely making up for lost time now.
The way he’s used that Cameroon wrapper with the Nicaraguan Estelí tobaccos creates something really special. It reminds me of the first time I had an Oval way back when – just one of those cigars that completely blows you away with how good it is, especially in the larger sizes.
Value Assessment: Box Worthy Without Question
Here’s the bottom line: this AJ Fernandez New World Cameroon is absolutely box worthy. At around $8.00, you’re getting a premium smoking experience that punches well above its price point. The construction is flawless, the flavors are complex and evolving, and the overall smoking experience is just outstanding.
I found myself having to constantly remind myself to slow down while smoking this cigar because it’s just so good. It’s one of those smokes that’s so enjoyable you want to puff on it more frequently, but you have to pace yourself to avoid muddling up the flavors.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re celebrating Labor Day like I was, or just looking for a relaxing smoke to unwind with, this cigar fits the bill perfectly. It’s approachable enough for newer smokers while offering enough complexity and character to satisfy experienced enthusiasts.
The medium strength makes it versatile – you can smoke this in the afternoon without worrying about it knocking you on your butt, but it has enough presence to be satisfying as an evening smoke too.
Final Verdict: A Must-Try Cameroon Experience
If you like Cameroon wrapper cigars, or if you’ve ever had anything from AJ Fernandez that you enjoyed, you absolutely need to try this New World Cameroon. It’s phenomenal work that showcases exactly why Cameroon wrappers are so highly regarded when they’re done right.
The flavor journey from leather and pepper in the first third, to cinnamon and green apple in the second, to cedar and continued fruit notes in the final third creates a smoking experience that’s both complex and cohesive.
This is definitely a cigar I’ll be smoking again, and probably one I’ll be keeping in my regular rotation.
Ready to Experience the AJ Fernandez New World Cameroon?
If this review has you interested in trying the AJ Fernandez New World Cameroon, I’d encourage you to pick some up and give them a try. This is an affiliate link that helps support our site while you stock your humidor with quality cigars – everybody wins.
After you’ve had a chance to smoke one, come back and tell us what you think in the comments. Did you get that same mouth-coating experience? What about those green apple and cinnamon notes? I’d love to hear if your experience matches up with mine or if you picked up on flavors I missed.
Until next time, keep smoking!
