Video review HERE.
(Description taken from Cigar-Coop.com website)
It was back in 2014 when the Montecristo Espada first was introduced. Produced at the Plasencia factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, it not only marked the first time a Montecristo was produced in Nicaragua, but it would be the first Montecristo to feature all Nicaraguan tobacco. Like the original Espada, the Montecristo Espada is also a Nicaraguan puro produced at Plasencia, but it uses a special Habano Rosado Oscuro wrapper that was uncovered at the Plasencia factory. Altadis U.S.A. Head of Product Capability Rafael Nodal worked with Pedro Ventura of Altadis’ Grupo de Maestros team and the Plasencias to develop the final blend.
“I am honored to have worked together with the Grupo de Maestros and the Plasencia family on this project. I not only feel that we created a blend that is worthy of the Montecristo Espada name, but also added a new dimension to the smoking experience, with the addition of this special Habano Rosado Oscuro Wrapper,” commented Nodal in a press release.
Eddy Guerra, Sr. Brand Manager of Altadis U.S.A., added, “We are extremely excited about the Montecristo Espada Oscuro. The success of the original Espada we felt, gave us mandate to push the envelope, to give our customers another great blend that can proudly sport the Montecristo Espada band. This cigar will give the Espada adult smokers a nuanced smoking experience that will deliver on flavor and richness.”
Blend and Origin
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano Rosado Oscuro
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: Plasencia S.A.
Ricasso: 5 x 54
Guarde: 6 x 50 REVIEWED TODAY
Quillon: 7 x 56
The cigar has 2 ornate bands that take up the majority of the cigar which has an average feel in the hand for a toro.
The test draw after cutting the cap was good. The initial flavors at light up were a citrus/apple mix, quite a bit of brown sugar, a lot of cinnamon, nutmeg, and an earthy black coffee. Initially there was black pepper rated at an 8.
At the first third (38 minutes) the flavors have mixed and adjusted so the cigar is a little different. You now have more of a cedar flavor with a dab of brown sugar, quite a bit of cinnamon, a combination of leather and nutmeg, and the earthy black coffee. The leather/nutmeg combination give a unique flavor which I happen to like. The leather/nutmeg combination really stands out. The finish is one of leather and cream. The leather in the cigar is somewhat subtle and not overbearing. The cigar is medium bodied at this point. The mix is very enjoyable. I rated the first third at 93.
About 3/4 inch in I noted leather notes. They were somewhat subtle but detectable.
At the second third (1 hour 5 minutes) things are still changing. You now have a little cedar, decreased brown sugar and cinnamon, increased leather, nutmeg, and black coffee. The cigar has flipped to a darker, less sweet version. The finish has a lot of coffee notes also along with leather and nutmeg. The lingering black pepper is very good in this cigar. The pepper on the front end is now about 7 1/2. The cigar is now full bodied. I rated the second third at 91 and hope it does not continue on this path through the final third.
The cigar lasted 1 hour 30 minutes. It stayed on the same trajectory which is not what I was hoping for. The cigar is quite dark and quite earthy. There is very little cedar and hardly any sweetness. The cigar is still full bodied. The finish is basically unchanged. I very much enjoyed the first third of this cigar but it quickly went dark and lost almost all sweetness. I rated the final third at 88. To try these cigars for yourself you can purchase them HERE.
Overall Score: 90.67
No comments:
Post a Comment