AJ Fernandez Dias de Gloria Toro Review: A Taste of Cuba’s Glory Days

• Brand: AJ Fernandez
• Line: Dias de Gloria
• Size: 6 x 56 (Toro)
• Wrapper: Nicaraguan
• Binder: Nicaraguan
• Filler: Nicaraguan
• Strength: Medium-Full
• Price: £112 (Box of 20)

Inspired by the golden era of Cuban cigars, AJ Fernandez’s Dias de Gloria Toro takes me on a journey with carefully aged Nicaraguan tobacco from his personal farms, each leaf crafted to honor Cuban tradition. 

Look & Feel: 19/20

The Dias de Gloria Toro impresses from the first glance. It features a lustrous Nicaraguan wrapper with a warm brown color, a touch of sheen, and only slight veining that adds to its classic charm. The cigar is solidly constructed, and the band – red and gold with intricate patterns – enhances its heritage-inspired design.

Pre-Light: 15/20

After cutting the cap, the cold draw reveals a smooth, effortless pull. Earthy and woody notes are dominant, accompanied by subtle hints of cocoa and a floral sweetness that suggest the rich flavors awaiting within.Aroma on the pre-light is inviting, with touches of cedar, roasted nuts, and the faintest hint of spice. 

Burn: 17/20

Dias de Gloria Toro lights evenly and maintains a consistent burn line through most of the smoke. The ash is firm, holding for nearly two inches before needing to be tapped. Smoke output is substantial, with an aroma that combines warm, earthy scents with a lingering sweetness.

Flavor: 18/20

• First Third (0-25 minutes):

The first few draws introduced me to earthy, woody flavors with a touch of white pepper. Cedar and a hint of nutmeg came through, evoking both richness and subtlety. A touch of dark chocolate emerges, enhancing the warm, medium-full body.

• Second Third (25-45 minutes):

Flavors deepen in the second third, as the cedar and earth blend with cocoa and espresso. Leather and spice notes become more pronounced, especially on the retrohale, while a subtle sweetness reminiscent of honey rounds out the profile. The smoke is thick and creamy, coating the palate with each puff.

• Final Third (45-70 minutes):

The last third intensifies with bolder flavors of leather, dark cocoa, and an earthy richness. Pepper picks up slightly, adding a satisfying kick, and hints of molasses introduce an intriguing depth. The retrohale remains smooth, highlighting cedar and a nuanced spice. 

Overall Experience: 18/20

Dias de Gloria Toro exemplifies AJ Fernandez’s dedication to Cuban traditions while showcasing the excellence of Nicaraguan tobacco. Its complexity, smoothness, and well-constructed burn make it a top choice in the medium-full category, particularly for those seeking a refined, full-bodied profile at a reasonable price point. 

It holds its own among premium cigars with flavors that rival many higher-end choices.

Comparative Analysis

Pairings

To enhance its warm, bold flavors, try pairing the Dias de Gloria with:

• Aged Rum: Complements the cigar’s cocoa and earth notes with added warmth and sweetness.
• Single Malt Scotch: A smoky single malt will enhance the Toro’s dark, robust flavors.
• Espresso: Brings out the earthy and cocoa undertones, perfect for a midday or evening smoke.

Last Look 

Scoring a solid 87/100, I think that the AJ Fernandez Dias de Gloria Toro is a balanced, flavorful cigar that honors the Cuban-inspired craftsmanship AJ Fernandez is known for. With its smooth, nuanced complexity and traditional Nicaraguan character, this cigar is an excellent choice for aficionados looking to explore heritage-inspired flavors without breaking the bank.

James Peasley

James started out in the cigar industry in 2009, working for the leading cigar specialist in the UK for nearly a decade, slowly crafting his deep knowledge of cigars and developing a very refined palate. There's not many Cuban cigars he hasn't tasted, including Limited Edition Habanos and pre-embargo Davidoffs, as well as a large section of the New World offerings. When away from his desk he's usually found out walking in the countryside, or following other hot pursuits.