Cigar Reveal #345

Montecristo
Nicaragua

The Montecristo Nicaragua was introduced in 2018 as the first regular-production Nicaraguan puro in the Montecristo portfolio. While Montecristo has long been synonymous with Dominican cigars in the U.S. market, Altadis U.S.A. partnered with AJ Fernandez to create a cigar that embraced the richness of Nicaraguan tobacco while remaining true to the refined character that has defined the Montecristo name for generations. The project represented another milestone in the growing collaboration between AJ Fernandez and Montecristo, following successful releases such as Monte by Montecristo and Montecristo Crafted by AJ Fernandez.

Handcrafted at Tabacalera AJ Fernandez in Estelí, the blend was designed to bridge two traditions. Rather than producing one of AJ's typically full-strength cigars, the goal was to create a more balanced expression that combined the sweetness, spice, and complexity of Nicaraguan tobacco with the smoothness and elegance expected from Montecristo. The result is a medium-bodied cigar that showcases AJ Fernandez's blending style without overwhelming the classic Montecristo identity.

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Montecristo Nicaragua
Anatomy

  • Nicaragua

  • Nicaragua

  • Nicaragua

Montecristo Nicaragua
Flavor Notes

First Third

Espresso

Earth

Stone Fruit

Espresso

Earth

Stone Fruit

Second Third

Cedar

Black Pepper

Sweet Tobacco

Cedar

Black Pepper

Sweet Tobacco

Final Third

Chocolate

Stone Fruit

Coffee

Chocolate

Stone Fruit

Coffee

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Reviews + Notes

Cigar Coop

The Montecristo Nicaragua Series Toro is a very good release under the Montecristo brand. If you are expecting a bold AJ Fernandez cigar, this is not going to be the cigar for you. The medium strength and medium body fit this cigar’s flavor profile very nicely. It also is a cigar that seems to capture the best of both worlds – it’s a cigar that smokes like a (non-Cuban)  Montecristo and at the same time, it’s a cigar that very much has a Nicaraguan flair to it. The Montecristo Nicaragua Series Toro is a cigar I would recommend to a novice or experienced cigar enthusiast. As for myself, it’s a cigar worth purchasing and one that I would recommend smoking again.

Developing Palates

The cigar started with a nice profile of wood, cream and cinnamon. As it got into the second third it simplified with just a musty wood note and held that through the remainder of the cigar. Construction was very good and strength was at slightly above medium the whole way. After the first third, the Montecristo Nicaragua Series Toro just became average and isn’t something I’d search after. It’s a cigar that might do well as the flavor and strength are what most smokers could enjoy, but I prefer a bit more complexity and enjoyment. Price is a bit high, but I’d say try one out and see what you think.

Cigar Dojo

The Montecristo Nicaragua Series is a great example of Nicaraguan tobaccos. As an added bonus, the near-perfect construction is a testament to Fernández's operation, with the overall experience being a great addition to the Montecristo line. The smoothness of the cigar is impressive considering the strength level (surprisingly full), but this strength can also—at times—overpower the flavors on the palate. Unfortunately, the exciting profile of the cigar's start does tend to become a bit monotonous, lacking a deeper level of development, but it is a fun experience nevertheless.