Montecristo Espada Estoque

Released in 2019, the Montecristo Espada Estoque is a luxurious, full-bodied cigar that represents the pinnacle of Montecristo’s Nicaraguan craftsmanship. Created in collaboration with the Plasencia family, one of Nicaragua’s most respected tobacco growers and blenders, the Espada Estoque is crafted entirely from vintage Nicaraguan tobaccos. The blend features a rich Habano Jalapa wrapper, wrapped around a core of carefully aged Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos sourced from esteemed regions such as Jalapa, Condega, and Estelí. Upon lighting, the Espada Estoque immediately delivers bold and complex flavors. The initial draw reveals notes of cedar, earth, and toasted almonds, layered with a subtle peppery spice that adds depth without overpowering the palate. As the cigar progresses, flavors of leather, cocoa, and a hint of dried fruit emerge, creating a sophisticated and evolving smoking experience. The construction is impeccable, offering a slow, even burn and a firm white ash that underscores its quality craftsmanship. The Montecristo Espada Estoque offers a smooth yet powerful profile that will appeal to seasoned cigar enthusiasts looking for richness and complexity. Best enjoyed with a Black Russian, it’s a cigar crafted for those who appreciate the artistry of traditional tobacco blending elevated by meticulous attention to detail.

The Nicaraguan cigar industry originated when Cuban cigar makers escaped the revolution and re-established their livelihood in Nicaragua with Cuban-seed tobacco. Blessed with dark, rich soil, their new home was ideal for tobacco cultivation and Nicaragua quickly became known for cigars that rivaled Cuban quality. Unfortunately, revolution and war came to Nicaragua in the 1980s and devastated the industry, but it’s rebounded dramatically and is once again producing tobacco considered by many to be the finest in the world.

The Esteli Valley is in many ways the heart of Nicaraguan production and is known for its very powerful and spicy tobacco. The Jalapa Valley produces arguably the finest tobacco in the country: somewhat sweeter and less intense than Esteli, but extremely complex. The tobacco of the Condega Valley is often described as a blend of the other two regions.