Montecristo Espada Estoque

The Montecristo Espada Estoque is proof that even one of the most legendary cigar brands in the world can continue pushing boundaries. Released as an extension of the award-winning Espada line, the Estoque was developed through a collaboration between Montecristo’s Grupo de Maestros and legendary tobacco grower Nestor Plasencia. Named after the ceremonial sword used by Spanish bullfighters, the Estoque was designed to be sharp, elegant, and undeniably powerful.

This full-bodied Torpedo is crafted entirely from aged Nicaraguan tobaccos, including a rich Jalapa wrapper paired with carefully selected binder and filler leaves from Jalapa, Estelí, Condega, and Ometepe. The blend includes rare vintage tobaccos dating back to 2002 and 2009, giving the cigar an incredible level of depth and refinement. Flavor-wise, the Estoque wastes no time announcing itself. Notes of cedar, earth, toasted almonds, cocoa, leather, black tea, caramel, and dried fruit all emerge throughout the smoke, layered with peppery spice and a warm, toasty finish.

The recommended pairing of El Tesoro Añejo Tequila is outstanding. The tequila’s oak, vanilla, and caramel notes complement the cigar’s richness while allowing the spice and earthy character to shine. For those who enjoy cocktails, a Black Russian also works exceptionally well by emphasizing the cigar’s cocoa and coffee notes. The Montecristo Espada Estoque is a special-occasion cigar meant for evenings when you have nowhere to rush off to and every intention of savoring the experience.

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.