Over a decade ago, I published a full review of the then-new Montecristo Espada. I really enjoyed it then and have continued to do so, off and on, for the last 11 years. The Espada was part of Altadis’ redefining of their core catalog…a process that seems to still be going on, to tell the truth. The cigar was blended by the Grupo de Maestros and constructed by Plasencia as a Nicaraguan puro: Habano wrapper and binder grown in Jalapa, along with Habano Jalapa Seco, Habano Jalapa Viso, Ometepe, and Habano Condega Ligero in the filler.
First, the bands on this cigar are still ridiculous. A standard Montecristo band, a small foot band, and a wide sheath band that all together conspire to hide most of the wrapper leaf from view. And honestly the foot band and sheath have to be removed before you can light up the cigar, rendering them a little superfluous. After ripping them off, the wrapper leaf underneath was a nice medium brown with a moderately oily feel and a fresh earthy aroma. The foot had a complex mix of earthy and floral aromas, along with cedar and a touch of sweetness.
The prelight draw was excellent, giving up sweet and spicy notes, along with more cedar. Firing up the Montecristo Espada, I was greeted by that familiar medium-bodied encapsulation of things I really love about Nicaraguan tobacco: earth, unsweetened cocoa powder, coffee beans, fire-roasted peppers, cedar. It’s possible I like this blend more today than I did when it debuted! And that makes me happy…so many companies launch a brand (or brand extension) with a bang, but don’t pay much attention when the blend slowly deteriorates over the years through the natural change of tobacco plants or shortcuts made in the processing and construction. I’m glad to report that didn’t happen here.
