The Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Edicion Diamante Churchill screams "special occasion" with its 7-inch Churchill frame and 54 ring gauge. This Nicaraguan puro packs medium-full strength into a box of 10 cigars priced around $218, wrapped in oily Maduro leaves that glisten like motor oil on a hot hood. Rolled with Ometepe Criollo binder and Esteli fillers, it's AJ Fernandez's love letter to Montecristo's 85th birthday - though I'd say the real celebration happens in your humidor when this baby starts puffing.
The wrapper smells like a cedar chest storing espresso beans. First puffs deliver black pepper that'd make a jalapeño blush, mellowing into toasted cashews after half-inch. Burns slightly wonky at start - keep matches handy. Thick smoke clings to clothes like campfire memories.
Pepper backs off around the band, letting salted caramel and charred oak take lead. Retrohale stings less here - actually enjoyable. Ash holds firm for two inches if you nurse it slow. Watch the burn line; mine canoeed when rushed.
Last third brings earthy molasses and dark chocolate bitterness. Nicaraguan twang intensifies near nub - not for nicotine lightweights. Stopped at 1.5" remaining when tar started whispering obscenities to my throat.
For seasoned smokers wanting Nicaraguan muscle flexed with Montecristo refinement. Pair with black coffee or aged rum to tame the pepper demons. Let it rest 6+ months if you hate relights - these need humidor hibernation before shining.
