The A.J. Fernandez New World delivers that piece and delivers it quite well. The milder strength and milder body of this cigar works perfectly with the notes of cream, cedar, and nut. While it won’t re-invent a flavor profile for a Connecticut Shade, it will deliver a profile where the flavors complement each other perfectly. This is a cigar that is perfect for the newbie or novice cigar enthusiast. Experienced cigar enthusiasts wanting a milder or “morning” smoke will appreciate what this brings to the table. As for myself, this is a cigar that I would smoke again – and it’s easily a box worthy purchase.

Score: 92 (Box Worthy)

What we’ve got here is a very good mild-to-medium bodied Connecticut-wrapped cigar with a pleasing amount of complexity and excellent flavor from end to end. It was flavorful enough to satisfy seasoned leaf enthusiasts, but mild enough to recommend to newer cigar smokers as well. Top it off with a price that is bordering on ridiculously low, and you have one of the best products to hit retailer shelves since the original New World last year. I would also call it the best milder smoke from A.J. Fernandez to date.

Score: 9/10

I liked the aggressive and full profile of New World, particularly at the price point. It was a good cigar, one that you could feel good about buying a box of—but not one that I would have put forward as a “let’s make a Connecticut version.” I’m happy that the company decided to stick true to the fuller base of New World, and not simply use the name—but I’m not quite sure what to make of the cigar. At times, it comes together and makes something truly enjoyable, but for most of the cigar, it felt like there was a war being fought with my palate as the battlefield—and I don’t think there were any real winners or losers by the end.

Score: 84 points