Montecristo Espada Guard

The Montecristo Espada was a landmark for the non-Cuban brand: its first cigar made entirely from Nicaraguan tobacco. Blended by Altadis's Grupo de Maestros with access to Plasencia's tobacco library, it's a Nicaraguan puro through and through. The Guard is the toro of the line, a 6 inch by 50 ring gauge smoke.

What it tastes like

Built from aged Jalapa Valley tobaccos — a Habano wrapper and binder over Nicaraguan fillers from Jalapa, Ometepe, and Condega — the Espada is spicier and more characterful than the Dominican Montecristos. Expect pepper, cedar, earth, cocoa, and a sweet-spice undertone, all in a balanced medium-to-full smoke. It's the brand's bold Nicaraguan side without tipping into harshness.

Who it's for

The Espada suits experienced smokers who enjoy Nicaraguan body and spice and want to see what Montecristo does with an all-Nicaragua blend. Pair it with an espresso, a bourbon, or an aged rum.

If you like this style, you'll want to compare it to the brand's other Nicaraguan work in the Montecristo Nicaragua Toro. For the broader picture of how Nicaraguan tobacco differs from Cuban, see our Cuban vs Nicaraguan guide — and track your smoke in the Casa DNC app.