Smoke and Sip: New World Decenio With Four Roses Small Batch Select

A recent cool evening provided the perfect atmosphere for an extended “sip and smoke” on the screened porch. The sun still hovered above the horizon, soon to set, providing a reminder that I still need to add some sort of lighting on the newly refurbished deck and porch. The noisy chorus of crickets and frogs in the woods was in full voice, adding to the peaceful setting.

For the evening’s smoke, I selected an AJ Fernandez New World Decenio Robusto. Decenio — Spanish for “decade” — is a commemorative release marking the 10th anniversary of the original New World line, which A.J. Fernandez introduced in 2014. The Decenio debuted in June 2024. My cigars have been in the humidor for about three weeks.

This 5.5 x 54 box-pressed Robusto features a dark, silky Mexican San Andrés wrapper over a Nicaraguan binder with fillers from Nicaragua and Honduras. It’s dressed elegantly with a gold foot band bearing the AJ Fernandez name, a small mid-band with the line’s title, and a large, ornate blue-and-gold main band showcasing the familiar New World artwork. I was glad to see the foot band attached with proper cigar glue rather than the unsightly cellophane tape some makers use.

The Decenio opens with the rich, dark flavors typical of AJ Fernandez: bold notes of dark cocoa and espresso, accented by a lively black pepper spice. It began at medium-to-full strength but quickly transitioned into full-bodied territory. The flavors were strong yet refined, never crossing into harshness.

The draw was slightly more open than I prefer, though not distractingly airy, and it produced voluminous clouds of smoke for a surprising 90 minutes. While the burn line wandered at times, it required no corrections.

Within the New World series, the Decenio stands out as a fitting anniversary smoke. Compared to the original New World, it delivers more pepper and espresso. The New World Dorado leans sweeter, while the New World Puro Especial — a personal favorite — offers richness but with fewer of the dark spice notes that define the Decenio.

For the pairing, I poured a glass of Four Roses Small Batch Select. This bourbon is crafted from six of the ten Four Roses mash bills and bottled at 104 proof. The nose shows a touch of alcohol heat alongside sweet dark fruit and oak. On the palate, a lively spice kick is balanced by vanilla and candied fruit, with the sweetness carrying through the finish. The bourbon’s lingering fruit and oak meshed beautifully with the Decenio’s cocoa and pepper.

The AJ Fernandez New World Decenio provided an enjoyable evening smoke. Its longer-than-expected burn was welcome, and even when it finally ended, I wasn’t quite ready to let the night go. I lingered a while longer, savoring the cool air and a few more sips of Four Roses before finally retiring.

Cheers!