Montecristo Nicaragua Toro

The Montecristo Nicaragua Series marked a first for the brand: a core-line Montecristo made by an outside cigarmaker, the celebrated AJ Fernandez, at his factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. It's a Nicaraguan puro, and this Toro — 6 inches by a 54 ring gauge — is the popular middle size, draped in an attractive copper-hued wrapper.

What it tastes like

Being all Nicaraguan tobacco, this is a bolder, earthier Montecristo than the Dominican blends. Expect earth, sweet spice, charred cedar, black pepper, and cocoa, all kept in nice balance from start to finish — that AJ Fernandez signature of strength without roughness. It's medium-to-full and richly flavored.

Who it's for

This one suits experienced smokers who like Nicaraguan body and want to taste what a master blender does under the Montecristo banner. Pair it with an espresso, a bourbon, or an aged rum after a meal.

If you enjoy this, the Montecristo Espada Guard is another excellent all-Nicaraguan Monte to compare it against. And for the bigger picture on this tobacco versus classic Havana, see our Cuban vs Nicaraguan guide — then log your smoke in the Casa DNC app.