Let's talk about this box-pressed figurado that's been making waves - the Montecristo Nicaragua No 2. At 6⅛" with a 52 ring gauge, this AJ Fernandez collaboration rolls Nicaraguan puro magic into torpedo form. You're looking at roughly 90 minutes of smoke time if you nurse it properly. The $15/stick price tag positions it as a weekend treat rather than daily driver material.
The cold draw hints at dried raisins before ignition. Initial puffs deliver a red pepper zing that makes your tongue tingle - classic Estelí tobacco signature. Earthy undertones emerge at the ½" mark, reminiscent of damp forest floor after rainfall. Watch for occasional canoeing issues here, especially if your humidor runs below 65% RH.
At the midpoint, the smoke thickens into espresso territory with bitter chocolate notes. Retrohale reveals baking spices - think nutmeg dusted over cappuccino foam. Ash holds strong in 1" segments, though I noticed slightly tighter draws in box-pressed samples versus rounded torpedos.
Approaching the band, the profile turns creamy with toasted almond nuances. Last inch brings mild tar buildup requiring a purge. Strength accumulators beware - this stick's nicotine payload creeps up silently like Havana Club 7 añejos in mojitos.
The oily Ecuador Sumatra wrapper glistens like fresh asphalt after summer rain. Triple-seam cap holds up beautifully through V-cuts. While not quite Padrón-level consistency, 18/20 in my box had perfect draw resistance. Pro tip: Dry box for 4-6 hours before lighting to optimize combustion.
This torpedo's for intermediate+ smokers chasing Nicaraguan complexity without full Maduro intensity. Pair with an Añejo tequila or black coffee - sweet cocktails overpower its subtler notes. While not dethroning the Padron 1964 as my personal torpedo king, it carves its niche between approachable and adventurous.
