Cigar Review: New World Decenio

ChiTown Cigar
Aug 5
6 min read

CTCP DEPT.

INCIDENT: TEAM CIGAR REVIEWCASE NUMBER: CCR2025-0802-002DATES OF INCIDENT: 2025-08-02, 08-02, 07-21LOCATION OF INCIDENT: VariousREPORTED BY: Teddy Michael George, Marty C., Teddy “The Greek” Mavrakis

-I. INCIDENT TYPE: Product Assessment - Cigar

–II. PRODUCT INFORMATION:

PRODUCT NAME: New World Decenio
BRAND: AJ Fernandez
VITOLA: Toro 6.5x54
MANUFACTURING ORIGIN: Nicaragua, San Lotano factory in Ocotal
COMPONENTS:
- WRAPPER: Mexican San Andres
- BINDER: Nicaraguan
- FILLER: Nicaraguan and Honduran
PRICE: $14.00 USD

—III. NARRATIVE OF ASSESSMENT:

On the aforementioned date, the reviewers conducted an assessment of a cigar identified as the "New World Decenio" by AJ Fernandez. The assessment spanned approximately 98, 100 and 95 minutes.

A. SENSORY EVALUATION (TASTE):

MIKE

FIRST THIRD: Observed some chocolate notes along with some sweetness I could not identify. Retrohale reveals of black pepper that I expect from Aj Fernandez. .
SECOND THIRD: Chocolate notes continue with some espresso, The sweetness takes a back seat however the black pepper continues
FINAL THIRD: There isn’t much change but rather the flavor notes evolve making this cigar worth enjoying and experiencing the cigar.
COMPLEXITY: This is a complex smoke that will challenge any cigar enthusiast with its flavor notes and progression.
STRENGTH: Medium to full.
RESIDUAL FLAVOR: Chocolate and sweetness
ASSESSMENT (Taste Category): Above Average

MARTY

FIRST THIRD: Cigar opens with a bit of spice which lasts for the first few puffs and is joined by coffee, umami, and chocolate sweetness in the background,
SECOND THIRD: Dark roast coffee moves into the forefront with a savory salty umami and subtle earthiness.
FINAL THIRD: The cigar mellows in the final third. Just a hint of spice remains on the tip of the tongue. Dark chocolate is the theme here with a hint of coffee and a pleasant smokiness.
COMPLEXITY: This is a hearty blend of spice, coffee, salty smoked umami. Flavorful but not overly complex.
STRENGTH: Medium full.
RESIDUAL FLAVOR: Spice lingers on the tongue.
ASSESSMENT (Taste Category): Good

TEDDY

FIRST THIRD: Cigar opens with very earthy notes, continuing with some oak and hickory taste.
SECOND THIRD: The profile shifts slightly, developing into oak, a raw resinous snap of freshly split hardwood taste, also a shot of midnight roast espresso.
FINAL THIRD: In the final third, the cigar becomes a little peppery but not overwhelming the palate, and the woody notes continue kicking in with nutty flavors on top.
COMPLEXITY: Another complex cigar by AJ, changes notes making it desirable to smoke.
STRENGTH: Medium to Full Body
RESIDUAL FLAVOR: Burning wood taste

ASSESSMENT (Taste Category): Good

B. PHYSICAL EVALUATION (CONSTRUCTION):

MIKE

QUALITY: Good quality. Beautiful wrapper
TACTILE SENSORY: Firm
PREPARATION: Straight cut performed cleanly.
ASSESSMENT (Construction Category): Good

MARTY

QUALITY: This is a well-constructed soft box press.
TACTILE SENSORY: Firm with the give expected from a soft box press.
PREPARATION: Straight cut was clean and easy.
ASSESSMENT (Construction Category): Good

TEDDY

QUALITY: A beautiful San Andres wrapper, a little veiny but smooth.
TACTILE SENSORY: Feels smooth, you can feel a little bit the veins on the wrapper.
PREPARATION: Straight cut.
ASSESSMENT (Construction Category): Great

C. FUNCTIONAL EVALUATION (DRAW):

MIKE

RESISTANCE: Draw is on point.
SMOKE PRODUCTION: Smoke volume is excellent.
CONSISTENCY: Consistent throughout the smoke
ASSESSMENT (Draw Category): Good

MARTY

RESISTANCE: Draw was perfect.
SMOKE PRODUCTION: A moderate amount of smoke output.
CONSISTENCY: Draw remained consistent throughout.
ASSESSMENT (Draw Category): Good

TEDDY

RESISTANCE: Draw is right on point, perfect.
SMOKE PRODUCTION: Moderate smoke output, doesn’t produce a lot of smoke while you hold it.
CONSISTENCY: The draw remained steady throughout the entire smoke. Ash held firm until the first third before dropping naturally.
ASSESSMENT (Draw Category): Good

D. VISUAL EVALUATION (APPEARANCE):

MIKE

AESTHETICS: Wrapper is oily brown
MARKINGS/BAND: Three bands which include a foot band. Gold surrounding a classic image is the main band. Then there is the second band which is DECENIO in gold surrounded by blue and then a gold foot band. I
OVERALL PRESENTATION: Great band, still not a fan of foot bands.
ASSESSMENT (Appearance Category): Good

MARTY

AESTHETICS: A dark brown wrapper with minimal veins.
MARKINGS/BAND: Cigar has three bands. A gold footband with a large AJ with Fernandez below it. A smaller navy blue band with gold lettering 2014 Decenio 2024 and gold edging. A medium-sized main navy blue band with gold and the branding of New World over a picture of explorers landing by sea in the new world.
OVERALL PRESENTATION: A beautiful presentation fitting for the 10-year celebration of the iconic New World line.
ASSESSMENT (Appearance Category): Great

TEDDY

AESTHETICS: The wrapper had a nice sheen from the Mexican San Andres.
MARKINGS/BAND: Features three bands containing blue and gold colors, New World picture on top and smaller band beneath it saying Decenio—the Spanish word for decade. Finishing on the foot of the cigar is a gold band with AJ Fernandez name on it.
OVERALL PRESENTATION: Another great presentation from AJ Fernandez, it will catch your eye. No issues taking the bands off.
ASSESSMENT (Appearance Category): Great

E. COMBUSTION EVALUATION (BURN):

MIKE

CONSISTENCY: Very consistent.
RESIDUE (ASH): Ash is white. Firm ash which fell off at about two inches.
INTERRUPTIONS: No touch ups to maintain the burn.
DURATION: Approximately 97 minutes.
ASSESSMENT (Burn Category): Good

MARTY

CONSISTENCY: Burn was straight.
RESIDUE (ASH): White ash that hung in 1-inch chunks.
INTERRUPTIONS: No relights.
DURATION: Approximately 100 minutes.
ASSESSMENT (Burn Category): Great

TEDDY

CONSISTENCY: Very good burn, started burning sharp straight but then had some uneven burns on the wrapper and it got fixed by itself.
RESIDUE (ASH): A nice white ash throughout the cigar, was kept about 2” long.
INTERRUPTIONS: None needed.
DURATION: 49 minutes.
ASSESSMENT (Burn Category): Good

—-IV. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS:

MIKE

This is an AJ Fernandez cigar. The draw is on point and the smoke output is what I have come to expect with their cigars. The construction is of the highest level thanks to the rollers and quality control.

MARTY

The AJ Fernandez New World Decenio (Spanish for 10 years) marks the 10th Anniversary of the New World Line. It is the 6th release in the line and was delayed from 2024 to 2025 so as not to detract from the AJ 20th Anniversary cigar released last year. Described as a “bold statement of passion, precision, and legacy,” Decenio aims to be an instant classic for AJ Fernandez fans and you can definitely tell this is an AJ blend. It has medium full body and delivers a strong blend of spice, coffee, and savoryness.

TEDDY

I think this is the best New World from AJ’s portfolio. New World Decenio commemorates a decade of legacy, tradition, and passion. In the early years of pioneering his own company, AJ alongside his father, Ismael, developed the New World brand with the intention of illuminating AJ’s distinct blending style and to pay respect to his roots in tobacco.

—--V. RECOMMENDATIONS/CONCLUSIONS:

MIKE

PAIRING SUGGESTIONS: Bourbon or Repasado Tequilla
RE-ASSESSMENT PROBABILITY: Probably sound like a broken record but you can’t pass up this cigar. Yes, I will buy more.
TOTAL SCORE: 94/100
FINAL OBSERVATIONS: AJ Fernandez had a factory fire and this cigar was not affected. The release was on time and delivered. This cigar is a showcase of AJ Fernandez and their dedication to cigars and those of us who smoke them.

MARTY

PAIRING SUGGESTIONS: This is a hearty blend that would go well with a strong drink.
RE-ASSESSMENT PROBABILITY: Yes, 5 pack.
TOTAL SCORE: 90/100
FINAL OBSERVATIONS: The AJ Fernandez New World Decenio Toro delivers a robust and flavorful experience, blending bold spice, dark coffee, and savory umami notes that evolve smoothly across its three stages, making it a fitting tribute to the New World line’s 10th anniversary. Its impeccable construction, consistent draw, and impressive burn showcase the craftsmanship expected from AJ Fernandez, with the soft box press and striking triple-band design adding a touch of elegance. While not overly complex, the medium-full strength and hearty flavor profile pair excellently with a strong drink, ensuring broad appeal for fans of bold cigars. Overall, the Decenio is a memorable smoke that lives up to its promise of passion, precision, and legacy, earning its place as a standout in the AJ Fernandez portfolio.

TEDDY

PAIRING SUGGESTIONS: Any Bourbon, Whiskey, Scotch, or just a simple Coke or Dr. Pepper.
RE-ASSESSMENT PROBABILITY: Absolutely—this was my second time.
TOTAL SCORE: 92/100
FINAL OBSERVATIONS: A satisfying cigar that delivers on taste and craftsmanship. Whether you're a cigar enthusiast or a horse racing fan celebrating the Preakness, this stick is worth a spot in your humidor.