AJA Perfecto

My wife and I were on a ride through southern Pennsylvania when we came across a small shop tucked away in a newly developed business section called South Pointe in Canonsburg, located south of Pittsburg.

AJA Cigar Company is a small company started by Andrew Andronas.  As the website says, Andrew “developed the idea of cigar catering after spending some time with a Cuban family off the Gulf Coast of Florida. Mr. Andronas was able to develop an outstanding business relationship with a Master Cuban Cigar roller whose family business has been practicing of art of cigar rolling for over 150 years.” 

Each hand rolled cigar is from Cuban seed, grown in Dominican and Nicaraguan soil, and uses an Ecuadorian wrapper.  Their cigars are rolled in small quantities to protect the integrity of their product.

After visiting with Andrew’s parents who were cleaning up the shop after a gathering the night before, I picked up a hand rolled AJA Perfecto for a couple bucks.  At first glance, there’s little to grab your attention.  It’s a small naked cigar without a band.  A cigar that isn’t wrapped up in flash, just a veiny wrapper that is a mocha brown color and narrowed at the head.  I didn’t indulge in this little delight until I was back home. 

The initial draw was smooth and mild with a soft nutty flavor.  The draw remained easy and smooth throughout this small cigar, which was “perfecto” (lame, I know) for a break in the afternoon, which is just what I did; pulled the car over in the park and took a much needed break from the day.  The simplicity became more complex as it progressed, adding sweet notes to the creamy smoke.

The second half introduced a stronger but smooth flavor.  I picked up on subtle wood tones and a hint of sweet chocolate with quite mild pepper.  The burn on the stick throughout was near perfect.  The ash remained tight with a light grey complexion.  The thick smoke tended to linger in the air, allowing the aroma to remain, but did not coat my mouth.  Being a small stick, the head tended to get hot and softer and the experience came to a close.

Recommendation: Stop by AJA Cigar Company and check out their stock.  If you like a mild smoke, go for it!  Larger sizes were also available.

Have you been to AJA Cigar Company?

CT