We have seen some stunning new cigars arrive in store over the last week to 10 days, so thought I had better share the love and let you know about them.

Founded back in 1995 in Esteli, Nicaragua, the cigars of A J Fernandez have proved immensely popular in the states with several of their cigars receiving high scores in both Cigar Aficionado and Cigar Journal magazines. After what has transpired to be an extremely long wait, they are finally making their way to these shores and so far the reception has been rapturous. The A J Fernandez Navegante Robusto is a stunning Nicaraguan Puro that delivers big and quite intense flavours. Another cigar from the A J Fernandez stable is the Geniales. These short Robusto's pack a punch being quite rich, earthy and spicy, an ideal wake me up in the morning with a strong coffee.

Our next cigar is one that is an extremely old brand, dating back to Cuba in 1876. By no means a common brand, I freely admit to knowing very little about until I put it on at one of our recent Cigar Evenings and was totally blown away. Not only that, I open up the current edition of Cigar Aficionado magazine, only to find that the Juan Lopez Seleccion No.2 has scored a very impressive 92 points! Medium-bodied and slightly savoury, these have to have just about the best build quality I have seen on a Cuban cigar!

Finally, we head to Downton Abbey, Newbury, Berkshire. Why I hear you ask? Well, Highclere Castle is the house featured in the famous TV series (and soon to be a major motion picture too). Since first making their way to London in 1826, cigars have been enjoyed at Highclere Castle where the tradition has always been to retire to the library after dinner for whisky and a smoke.

From the 5th Earl Carnarvon to the present 8th Earl, members of the Carnarvon family have shared the finest tobaccos with friends, visitors, and royalty alike. When the 5th Earl discovered King Tutankhamun’s tomb with Howard Carter, he undoubtedly celebrated with a cigar in hand. The 6th Earl maintained a collection of smokes at The Ritz Hotel, in London, where the Carnarvons have always kept a table. He was often seen at Ascot, cigar in hand. In keeping with tradition, the 8th Earl decided to create a cigar worthy of the Highclere castle name and so, with support and a manufacturing base in Nicaragua the Highclere Castle Cigar Co. was born. Currently, we have two sizes available, the Toro and the Petit Corono. The smoke is silky smooth, exceptionally creamy with a light peppery profile. Subtle, sweet notes lend themselves well to the hints of citrus. The finish is elegantly clean.