Montecristo Crafted by AJ Fernandez Toro

The Montecristo Crafted by AJ Fernandez is a four-country collaboration between Altadis and AJ Fernandez, made at Tabacalera Fernandez in Estelí, Nicaragua. This is the box-pressed Toro, 6 inches by a 50 ring gauge, wrapped in a dark Ecuadorian Sumatra Oscuro leaf that hints at the bold smoke inside.

What it tastes like

The blend pulls from several countries: an Ecuadorian Sumatra Oscuro wrapper, a San Andrés Mexican binder, and Nicaraguan and Honduran fillers. Together they make a full, richly flavored smoke — black pepper, coffee, cocoa, leather, and a faint licorice note — with the clean construction and easy draw Fernandez is known for. It's a meatier, darker take on the Montecristo name.

Who it's for

This is for experienced smokers who like a full-bodied cigar with depth and a little sweetness. The box press makes it comfortable to hold and smoke. Pair it with an espresso or a bourbon, ideally after a meal.

The dark Oscuro wrapper drives a lot of the richness — see our Maduro vs Connecticut guide for how darker leaves shape flavor. If you want another bold AJ Fernandez Monte to compare, try the Montecristo Nicaragua Toro. Log and rate your smoke in the Casa DNC app.