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The Best New World Puro Especial Cigars for Enthusiasts Reviewed

The Best New World Puro Especial Cigars for Enthusiasts Reviewed

Posted by Ana Cuenca on Jul 27, 2025

Best New World Puro Especial Cigars for Enthusiasts

Discover the Ultimate Smoking Experience with New World Puro Especial Cigars

Welcome to New World Puro Especial cigars, where rich flavors, impeccable craftsmanship, and exceptional smoking experiences await. Whether you’re a seasoned cigar aficionado or just starting to explore your taste palate, these cigars will surely leave you wanting more. So, sit back, relax, and let us guide you through the delightful journey of New World Puro Especial cigars.

Overview of New World Puro Especial Variants

Various types of cigars displayed in a humidor

Explore the captivating universe of New World Puro Especial cigars, which come in three enticing variants that cater to your preferences. These cigars feature a new Nicaraguan Criollo 98 wrapper, adding distinct characteristics to their profile. The tobacco used in New World Puro Especial cigars is cultivated entirely on AJ's farms in Nicaragua, particularly in the Estelí region, ensuring the highest quality tobaccos grown for a premium smoking experience.

  1. Best for Long Smoking Sessions: New World Puro Especial Toro

  2. Best for Rich Flavor: New World Puro Especial Short Churchill

  3. Best for a Balanced Smoke: New World Puro Especial Robusto

The Tasting Journey: Flavor Profile by Thirds

First Third: Initial Impressions and Flavors

From the moment you light up the New World Puro Especial by AJ Fernandez, you’re greeted with a rich, earthy aroma that immediately draws you in. The first few puffs deliver a peppery smoke that awakens the palate, setting the tone for what’s to come. As the smoke settles, notes of dark wood and coffee begin to emerge, accompanied by a subtle hint of cocoa powder that adds depth to the experience. The cold draw is smooth and effortless, thanks to the Nicaraguan Habano wrapper leaf, which helps create a medium-bodied flavor profile that is both inviting and well balanced. As the cigar progresses through the first third, these flavors meld together beautifully, offering an enjoyable smoke that teases the complexity waiting in the next stages. The initial impressions are a testament to the craftsmanship behind the New World Puro Especial, making it clear why this cigar is a favorite among enthusiasts seeking a world of flavor in every puff.

Middle Third: Developing Complexity

As you transition into the second third of the New World Puro Especial, the flavor profile begins to evolve, revealing new layers of complexity. Nutty notes start to surface, bringing a gentle sweetness that perfectly complements the earthy and woody foundation established in the first third. The burn line remains impressively even, and the draw continues to be effortless, allowing you to fully appreciate the nuances of the Nicaraguan tobacco grown on AJ’s farms. This is where the cigar truly shines as a great cigar for those who savor the subtleties of a well-crafted Nicaraguan puro. Red pepper notes make their entrance in the second third, adding a lively spice that enlivens the palate without overwhelming the other flavors. The interplay of sweetness, spice, and rich tobacco notes keeps each puff interesting, making the middle third a highlight of the New World Puro Especial’s journey.

Final Third: The Lasting Finish

In the final third, the New World Puro Especial reaches its peak, delivering a perfectly balanced and harmonious finish. The peppery smoke returns with renewed intensity, mingling seamlessly with the cocoa powder and coffee notes that have been building throughout the smoke. Earthy undertones provide a solid backbone, ensuring that the flavors remain rich and satisfying right up to the last puff. The excellent construction of the cigar is evident as it continues to burn evenly, allowing you to enjoy every nuance of the blend. The lingering finish is both satisfying and memorable, leaving your taste buds craving more. This final act showcases why the New World Puro Especial stands out in the world of Nicaraguan puros and the broader cigar industry. Whether you’re a seasoned cigar enthusiast or just beginning to explore the world of AJ Fernandez cigars, the final third of this cigar is sure to leave a lasting impression and inspire you to discover even more exceptional blends.

New World Puro Especial Toro: The Best for Long Smoking Sessions

Specifications

  • Size: 6.5 x 52

  • Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano

  • Unique flavor profile

  • Flawless construction

  • Excellent for extended smoking sessions

  • Generous smoke production

  • Peppery and woody smoke

  • Wrapper may crack near the head

If you’re seeking a top-notch smoking experience, the New World Puro Especial Toro won’t disappoint. This Nicaraguan puro stands out with its prominent leather aroma and strong coffee flavor, all thanks to all the tobacco grown in Estelí, Nicaragua. The filler and binder are similar to the original New World blend but have undergone longer aging, enhancing the overall experience. As the cigar progresses, you’ll notice a delightful evolution of flavors, including anise, cedar, and cocoa, providing a fascinating journey for your taste buds.

The construction of the Toro is undeniably top-notch, with a consistent medium-brown wrapper and a size of 6.5 x 52. The draw is smooth, and the smoke production is abundant, making it a great cigar for those extended smoking sessions. The Toro burns evenly throughout the smoking session, contributing to a consistent flavor experience. However, be mindful of the peppery and woody smoke, as well as the potential for the wrapper to crack near the head.

In conclusion, the Toro stands as a top pick for both lengthy smoking sessions and special events.

Cigar enthusiasts will find the New World Puro Especial Toro to be a remarkable selection, offering:

  • A medium plus body

  • Medium strength that’s perfect for a long and relaxing smoke session

  • Aged Nicaraguan tobaccos that provide a cool and consistent smoking experience, with no need for corrections or re-lights

  • Marketed as a cigar with medium plus body, showcasing a steady delivery of flavors.

The Toro’s pleasant aroma can be retrohaled for an enhanced flavor, while the cold draw is smooth and enjoyable. The longer size of 6 ½” x 52 also contributes to a slower, more even burn, allowing you to savor every moment of this exceptional cigar.

Personal Experience with Toro

I had the pleasure of enjoying a New World Puro Especial Toro during a recent gathering with friends. The cigar had the following characteristics:

  • Initial burst of coffee and leather notes

  • Flawless construction

  • Plentiful smoke production

  • Exceptionally sharp and even burn line

  • Firm ash throughout the entire smoking session

  • Smoking session lasted 100-120 minutes

It should be noted that the construction was flawless, with an exceptionally sharp and even burn line, and the ash remained firm throughout the entire smoking session.

The Toro’s flavor profile was nothing short of amazing, with subtle hints of:

  • anise

  • earth

  • wood

  • cocoa powder

During the cold draw, I tasted distinct notes of cocoa powder and earth, which set the stage for the more dominant flavors to come.

I was complementing the more dominant notes of leather and coffee. The smooth, balanced smoke had no harshness, making it easy to enjoy the Toro from start to finish. I found that pairing this cigar with a rich, oak-aged Imperial Stout beer elevated the experience even further, with the bold flavors of the beer beautifully harmonizing with the Toro’s complex array of flavors.

Overall, the New World Puro Especial Toro is an outstanding good cigar, perfect for those extended smoking sessions where you want to savor every moment.

New World Puro Especial Short Churchill: The Best for Rich Flavor

Rich and flavorful tobacco leaves in a Nicaraguan plantation

Specifications

  • Size: 5.25 x 48

  • Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano

  • Rich and complex flavor profile

  • Excellent construction

  • Suitable for a shorter smoking session

  • Affordable price

Looking to explore more premium options? Discover Cohiba cigars for a curated selection of top choices for enthusiasts.

If you’re after a deeply rich and multifaceted flavor journey, the New World Puro Especial Short Churchill is the ideal pick. This Nicaraguan puro is crafted with tobacco exclusively grown on Fernandez-owned farms in Nicaragua, resulting in a luxurious flavor profile with notes of cinnamon, cedar, earth, and espresso bean, along with cocoa powder and a subtle hint of char. The initial flavors of this cigar include cinnamon, cedar, earth, and espresso bean, complemented by cocoa powder and char, setting the stage for a complex and satisfying smoking experience. As you progress into the second half, the flavor profile intensifies, revealing deeper notes and a more pronounced richness that enhances the overall experience.

  • pepper

  • cinnamon

  • cedar

  • earth

  • espresso bean

  • cocoa powder

  • a subtle hint of char

The craftsmanship of the Short Churchill is just as commendable, offering a firm and well-made cigar that provides a smooth draw and an even burn throughout the smoking session. Although it may be somewhat costly and potentially difficult to locate, the New World Puro Especial Short Churchill is well worth the effort for the incredible flavors it delivers.

Pros of Short Churchill

There are several benefits to the New World Puro Especial Short Churchill, including:

The smaller size of the Short Churchill allows for a more concentrated flavor experience, with generous and peppery smoke in the initial puffs and a slightly lighter, smoother finish than the original New World cigar.

The pleasant aroma and excellent technical performance, such as the ample good smoke, effortless draw, and even burn line, make the Short Churchill a fantastic choice for those seeking a rich and satisfying smoking experience.

Personal Experience with Short Churchill

My first encounter with the New World Puro Especial Short Churchill was at a friend’s birthday celebration, and I was immediately captivated by its enticing aroma and beautiful appearance. As soon as I lit the cigar, I was greeted with a burst of peppery smoke and rich flavors of:

  • dried fruit

  • sweet caramel

  • nuts

  • earth

  • espresso

The complexity of the flavors had me savoring each puff, making it a memorable and enjoyable smoking experience.

The Short Churchill offers a well-balanced smoke that lasts for approximately 45 to 60 minutes, making it the perfect choice for a shorter smoking session when time is limited. I found that pairing the cigar with a fine espresso enhanced the flavors even further, creating a harmonious combination that left me thoroughly satisfied.

Overall, the New World Puro Especial Short Churchill is a fantastic choice for those who appreciate a rich and complex flavor experience in the new world line of cigars.

New World Puro Especial Robusto: The Best for a Balanced Smoke

Elegant cigar accessories including a cutter and lighter

Specifications

  • Size: 5 x 50

  • Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano

  • Balanced flavor profile

  • Slightly lighter, smoother finish

  • 100% Nicaraguan tobacco

  • Great for a shorter smoking session

If you’re an aficionado in search of a balanced smoke, the New World Puro Especial Robusto is your answer. This Nicaraguan puro offers a slightly lighter, smoother finish compared to the original New World cigar, making it a fantastic choice for those who appreciate a more balanced flavor profile. The Robusto features a unique blend of Nicaraguan tobacco that delivers a delectable mix of:

  • Earthiness

  • Cocoa powder

  • Coffee bean

  • Baking spice

  • Leather

  • Black pepper

  • Cinnamon

  • Chestnut

In the last third, the flavors remain consistent with a touch more intensity, and the construction holds up well, providing a satisfying finish to the smoking experience.

While the New World Puro Especial Robusto has a few downsides, they are relatively minor, with some smokers expressing a desire for a touch more sweetness to enhance the overall experience. The firmness of the bunch and rolls can also make the cigar feel heavy in the hand, but this does not detract from the enjoyable smoking experience.

The Robusto’s size allows for a shorter smoking session, lasting approximately 45 to 60 minutes, making it an excellent choice for those pressed for time.

Pros of Robusto

There are several compelling attributes of the New World Puro Especial Robusto, including:

  • Rich flavors

  • Good body

  • Affordable price

  • Slightly smoother finish compared to the original New World cigar

Additionally, the Robusto offers new dimensions of flavor as the smoke progresses, with subtle notes of anise adding to the complexity. The blend provides a uniform flavor profile that emphasizes earth and cocoa powder throughout the smoking experience.

The construction and balance of the cigar are also noteworthy, making the Robusto an excellent choice for those seeking a balanced and enjoyable smoke.

Personal Experience with Robusto

One evening, I decided to treat myself to a New World Puro Especial Robusto, and I was not disappointed. The moment I lit the cigar, the rich flavors of:

  • leather

  • earth

  • cinnamon

  • coffee bean

  • chestnut

Enveloped my palate, providing a delightful smoking experience. The cigar’s construction was excellent, with a smooth draw and an even burn throughout the session, which lasted about an hour.

The Robusto’s flavor profile was well-balanced and enjoyable, with a slightly lighter and smoother finish than the original New World cigar. I found that pairing the Robusto with a glass of bourbon enhanced the flavors even further, creating a harmonious combination that left me thoroughly satisfied.

Overall, the New World Puro Especial Robusto is a fantastic choice for those who appreciate a balanced and enjoyable smoke.

Choosing Your Perfect New World Puro Especial

A person selecting a New World Puro Especial cigar from a display

The choice of your ideal New World Puro Especial cigar will hinge on your individual preferences and the kind of smoking experience you desire. Here are some options to consider:

  1. Toro: For long smoking sessions, the Toro is an excellent choice, providing a unique flavor profile and flawless construction that will keep you engaged throughout the smoke.

  2. Short Churchill: If you’re looking for a rich and complex flavor experience, the Short Churchill is the way to go, offering a luxurious and satisfying smoking experience.

  3. Robusto: For a well-balanced and enjoyable smoke, the Robusto is the perfect choice, boasting a slightly lighter and smoother finish compared to the original New World cigar.

If you are interested in the top 5 strongest cigars, check out our comprehensive guide.

No matter which Fernandez New World Puro Especial cigar you choose, you can expect a high-quality smoking experience that showcases the craftsmanship and quality of AJ Fernandez cigars. AJ Fernandez is recognized among leading companies and cigar manufacturers for their influence on the market and commitment to exceptional product quality. These cigars by AJ Fernandez are well-reviewed for their appealing flavors and affordability, making them accessible for enthusiasts. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different pairings, such as oak-aged Imperial Stout beer, fine espresso, or even a glass of bourbon, to find the perfect accompaniment to your chosen cigar. So go ahead and explore the enticing world of New World Puro Especial cigars, and discover the perfect smoke that suits your taste and preferences.

Summary

In conclusion, the New World Puro Especial cigars offer a range of exceptional smoking experiences, catering to different preferences and occasions. Whether you prefer the Toro for long smoking sessions, the Short Churchill for its rich flavor, or the Robusto for a well-balanced smoke, you can’t go wrong with any of these cigars. These cigars are also recommended for their excellent value, typically priced around $10 for the largest size. So why not treat yourself to a New World Puro Especial cigar and savor the exquisite flavors, craftsmanship, and quality that AJ Fernandez has to offer? AJ's deep knowledge of tobacco farming and cigar production is rooted in his family heritage, especially the influence of his father Ismael, who worked for Cuba's agricultural department and passed down his expertise. Embark on this delightful journey, and let your taste buds guide you to the perfect smoke.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the rating of New World Puro Especial?

New World Puro Especial has been highly acclaimed, receiving a 93-rating and being named one of the Top 25 Cigars of 2017.

Who makes AJ Fernandez cigars?

AJ Fernandez cigars are handcrafted by Tabacalera AJ. Fernandez de Nicaragua, SA and San Lotano factory located in Estel and Totogalpa, Nicaragua respectively. The company is owned and operated by Abdel J. Fernandez, who is best known to the English-speaking world as A.J. Fernandez Cigars.

How many cigars does AJ Fernandez make a year?

AJ Fernandez crafts an astonishing 50 million cigars annually, a testament to his expertise and dedication. Many are produced under his own portfolio, while others result from collaborations with renowned cigar manufacturers like Altadis USA and General Cigar.

What are the main differences between the New World Puro Especial Toro, Short Churchill, and Robusto?

The New World Puro Especial Toro is great for lengthy smoking experiences, the Short Churchill offers a bold flavor, and the Robusto provides a balanced yet enjoyable smoke.

How long does a New World Puro Especial cigar typically last?

A New World Puro Especial cigar typically lasts between 45 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the size.