When life gives you challenges, make great cigars.

At least that’s what AJ Fernandez was inspired to do after a devastating fire at his main Nicaraguan factory in 2025. After deep reflection, and renewed motivation, Amar was born. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has helped AJ along the way, from family and friends to rollers and cigar enthusiasts that made his dream possible.

A third generation tobacco grower and cigar maker who started his first factory in a garage in Estelí, AJ now conducts an operation that produces upwards of 40 million cigars per year, with numerous blends landing in Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25 under both his own brands and major collaborations.

AJ personally oversees everything from tobacco planting to cigar rolling, often walking the fields and factory floor to engage with his team. Amar is crafted with a hearty Habano wrapper over rich Nicaraguan fillers, delivering a complex flavor profile with notes of coffee, a touch of baking spice, and cedar, all carried on the smooth draw and even burn that have become AJ’s signature. Coming from Cuban and Lebanese descent, AJ chose the name Amar as a nod to ‘love’ in Spanish and ‘moon’ in Arabic, reflecting both the love and appreciation he wants to share through this blend and the lunar phase that follows a full moon at full illumination. 

The profound experience of Amar expresses the very message printed on the underside of its cigar band which translates to ‘Thank you for your support .. with love.’