Cigar Review - Montecristo Espada Ricasso
Montecristo – Espada Ricasso
Vitola: Robusto
Length: 5.0″
Ring Gauge: 54
Wrapper: Habano Jalapa Vintage 2010
Binder: Habano Jalapa Vintage 2009
Filler: Habano Jalapa Seco Vintage 2008, Habano Jalapa Viso Ometepe Vintage 2008 and Habano Condega Ligero Vintage 2008
Pairing: Glenfidditch 15 yr
So yesterday was Father's Day. My wonderful wife and girls know that I love cigars and so a gorgeous Fuente gift bag was sitting on the table. Inside were two Montecristo Espada robustos. No ties, no slippers...just lovely cigars. A new cigar store has openend on Park Avenue in Winter Park, FL, Belicoso Cigars and Cafe, and the salesman was very inquisitive and helpful as they made their selection. I've never had the pleasure of a Montecristo before and I am thrilled to get a chance to try one. My girls know me well. :)
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Fit and Finish: The presentation of this cigar is flawless. It just looks like an impressive cigar. After removing the bands (which cover a majority of the cigar), the wrapper is seamless and very finely veined. On the nose it has a nice tobacco aroma.
Draw: The v-cut gives a slightly tight draw, but not disconcertingly so. There is a very strong cocoa profile on the cold draw. Right in my wheelhouse.
Toast/Light: The toasting goes well, especially around the rim, but it takes a bit more to get the filler going. I suspect this is due to the rh from the B&M being a bit higher. We will have to see if there are burn issues. First draw is pepper and again that strong cocoa. Yes, I am a happy man.
First third: The cocoa comes and goes throughout this first third, but when it is there it is strong. The profile changes every third draw from cocoa to something savory (I don't know what it is, just that it's savory) to nuts. All of the flavors are right up front and full. The peppery kick comes and goes as well, but it is a background player here.
Second Third: The flavor wheel continues and the nuttiness has resolved into something more definite. It's almonds. The pepper is pretty much gone here but it's replaced by a sweetness that is very complementary. Not the sugary sweetness of altered cigars, but just a general sweetness. The cocoa continues to impress when it makes its appearance.
Final Third: The pepper comes back, along with another spice, cinnamon, as this cigar winds down. The flavors continue to come and go and it really prevents palate fatigue. I don't want this cigar to end despite the fact that it's taken me 2 hours to finish.
Final Thoughts: I did have a few burn issues with this cigar, having to touch up 3-4 times to even it out, but I really think it was the rh and the fact that I didn't want to wait to try it. Aside from that, this was my favorite cigar I've ever tried. I like cigars in general, some of them more than others, but generally like most that I try. So it's a crowded field with those that I really enjoy, but this one has taken the top spot. I will be buying a box post-haste and I really look forward to seeing how they do with a little rest and with getting that rh to 65%.
Total smoking time: 120 minutes
