A whistle stop tour of the Blend 15 Short Robusto

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The A.J . Fernandez Blend 15 Short Robusto is a pocket friendly, Nicaraguan puro, meaning that all of the tobacco used in this cigar comes from Nicaragua. We think that the Nicaraguan puro blend in the Blend 15 short Robusto is the perfect cigar to dip your toe in the water of the new world, and see what Nicaragua has to offer.

This cigar delivers surprising depth and flavour given its size. At only 9 centimetres long, the Blend 15 Short Robusto is chock full of peppery, chocolatey, earthly flavours. While it may not look like what you’d expect a cigar to look like, it definitely tastes like it. 

This cigar is hand rolled in Abdel J. Fernandez’s own tobacco factory in Estelí, in north west Nicaragua, using tobaccos grown farms owned by the Fernandez family for generations.

The Blend 15 line was introduced in 2020 as the brands first entry into premium bundled cigars, offering medium to medium‑full strength with pronounced spice, earth and cocoa notes, all wrapped up into a more affordable form factor.

Its petite vitola (small size for us regulars) makes it perfect for a 30 to 45  minute smoke, ideal for both newcomers and aficionados seeking a smoke without the commitment. 

What are the dimensions of the Blend 15 Short Robusto cigar?

• Shape: Short Robusto
• Length: 3.5 in (8.9 cm) 
• Ring Gauge: 50 (2 cm wide)

How is the Blend 15 Short Robusto produced?

Tobacco variety: The blend 15 short Robusto uses cuban seed Criollo and Habano tobacco varieties, selectively bred by the Fernandez family over generations on their farms to provide the perfect reflection of Nicaragua, all rolled into a convenient 45 minute smoke. 

Aging: The tobacco blend in the blend 15 is aged for 2–3 years before rolling, softening some of the harsher edges of a fresh tobacco leaf, smoothing the flavour. After rolling these cigars are again aged for 2–3 months in cedar to round the flavours further and add fragrance and complexity, while maintaining the punch of the tobacco blend.

Handmade: The Blend 15 short Robusto is hand rolled and triple capped at the top, an uncommon, but definitely appreciated touch that stops the cigar from unraveling when it's cut. Despite their price point, each cigar is "entubado-bunched", a process where each leaf is rolled into a tube before being bunched together to roll the cigar, this assures that all of the leaves are aligned the same direction, keeping airflow through the cigar free and consistent, making it draw better.

How is it so cheap!: The production of the Blend 15 short Robusto from seed selection, to rolling, to packaging, is all done by A.J. Fenandez themselves, not only ensuring consistent quality across every cigar, but this vertical integration saves them money, that they pass onto us, and us to you.

What Wrapper, Binder & Filler are used in the blend 15 Short Robusto

Wrapper: Nicaraguan leaf, Colorado‑tinted and smooth to the touch, grown in the fertile soils of Estelí. This is a thin and oily leaf that is grown in the volcanic Esteli soil, this soil is rich in magnesium and iron, boosting the spicy and rich flavour profile that makes this cigar so special.

Binder: The binder is grown in Jalapa Nicaragua, the high elevation and clay heavy soil provides a leaf that is more subtle smooth and sweet, that balances the raw pepper power of the wrapper. 

Filler: The main bulk of the Blend 15 Short Robusto is a masterful blend of tobaccos from Esteli, Condega and Jalapa. Each providing their own unique flavours. The Esteli soil provides power and strength. The Jalapa soil provides sweetness and complexity and the Condega soil provides deep earthy flavours that provides a background to bring together, and round out, the experience.

What is the Flavour Profile of the Blend 15 Short Robusto?

Tasting Notes by Phase

First Third: Bright pepper and subtle citrus acidity that awakens the palate 

Second Third: Earthy wood and cocoa undertones emerge, balanced by creamy smoke 

Final Third: A return of black pepper and a dry leathery coffee finish that lingers pleasantly 

Strength, Body & Complexity

Strength: Medium to medium‑full; packs a satisfying nicotine punch without overwhelming 

Body: Medium‑full, with ample depth for experienced smokers yet still approachable for anyone

Complexity: Multi‑layered; while some reviewers note an initial flatness, transitions pick up in later thirds, offering evolving spice and creamy richness 

What drink pairings work with the Blend 15 Short Robusto?

The blend 15 Short Robusto is a short, flavour packed, cigar. Therefore a short, flavour packed, pairing is perfect to make the most of both.

The blend 15 Short Robusto is primarily spicy, earthy and creamy in its flavours. Therefore, drinks with these notes are perfect to either contrast them, to further highlight these notes or compliment them, to have a comparison to really delve deep into the flavours. 

A spicy rye whiskey is perfect to compliment the earthy and spicy notes of the blend 15, while drawing out more of the sweet creamy flavours.

Similarly a Bourbon (our favourite is buffalo trace) compliments the sweetness and creaminess of the blend 15 and makes the earthy and spicy notes more pronounced.

A dark roast coffee or an espresso helps to complement the earthy and creamy undertones of the blend 15, while drawing out its spiciness.

Aged rum gives the perfect background of sweetness, perfectly complimenting the sweet flavours while drawing out that spice and earth.

What occasions are perfect for the blend 15 short Robusto?

A brisk 30-45  minute smoke, perfect to add a touch of class and reflection to your lunch break 

An afternoon in a pub garden, where you don’t want to fill the area with a smokescreen, but still want something to held in your hand

A quick, flavour packed session before heading out for the evening for bigger, better things.

FAQs about the Blend 15 Short Robusto

Q: Is the Blend  15 Short  Robusto suitable for beginners?
A: Yes, its medium strength and straightforward flavour transitions make it approachable for those new to cigars. Need more info on cigars for newbies? Read our cigar beginner guide here.

Q: How long does it take to smoke a Blend 15 Short Robusto?
A: Expect roughly 30 to 45  minutes for the Short Robusto, depending, of course, on pace. Check out our handy dandy filters to sort our selection by smoke time here.

Q: What is the price of a Blend 15 Short Robusto?
A: Single retails for £11.99 here at CaLaDa, considering the effort that goes into it, we think its its a bargain!

Q: How should I store it?
A: Keep in a humidor at 65–70% relative humidity and 68–70 °F for optimal freshness and even burn.

Q: Can I age these cigars?
A: Yes, aging for 6 to 12 months can mellow sharp spice and integrate flavours more fully.

Conclusion

The AJ Fernandez Blend 15 Short Robusto exemplifies how thoughtful blending and artisanal craftsmanship can be delivered at a budget price. With its all‑Nicaraguan construction, medium‑full body and layered spice–earth–cocoa profile, it offers both newcomers and seasoned smokers a dependable, flavourful 30–45 minute session without breaking the bank. If you’re seeking daily smokes that reflect AJ’s pedigree but won’t dent your wallet, the Blend 15 Short Robusto deserves a permanent spot in your humidor.