The Montecristo Espada Oscuro Guard Toro hits with a Nicaraguan punch wrapped in rare Habano Oscuro leaf. This 6x50 parejo comes in 10-count black wooden boxes featuring white sword sketches - a bold departure from Montecristo's typical Dominican profile. At $15+ per stick, it's crafted through the unlikely collaboration between Altadis USA and Nicaragua's Plasencia tobacco dynasty.
Penarikan pertama terasa seperti aroma kandang dan daun teh hitam. Puff awal memberikan rasa pedas merica putih yang menempel di tenggorokan, dengan kebitteran espresso yang menembus asap tebal. Garis pembakaran tetap tajam meskipun gulungan padat. Retrohale menunjukkan nada kulit yang hilang dalam campuran Espada biasa.
Pada tanda 1 inci, inti Nicaraguan mengungkap sentuhan khas Plasencia - ke manisan karamel yang menyeimbangkan rasa pedas. Nada coklat hitam muncul bersama dengan rempah-rempah panggang (cinnamon/nutmeg), meskipun output asap sedikit berkurang. Abu bertahan kuat dalam segmen 1,5 inci. Pasangkan dengan espresso atau rum gelap untuk memperkuat elemen coklat.
Last third introduces Ometepe-grown tobacco's mineral character - think wet granite and damp earth. Leather resurfaces with reduced sweetness, while nicotine strength creeps up to 4/5. Stop before the nub to avoid tar buildup. Total smoke time clocks 85 minutes with moderate touch-ups.
The oscuro wrapper glistens with visible oils, though some box codes show minor veins. 9/10 samples maintained perfect combustion. Box date codes from 2022-23 perform best after 3 months humidor rest. Draw resistance varies between boxes - use perfect draw tool on tighter rolls.
Priced 15% below Padrón 1926 Serie but 20% above AJ Fernández enclave. Justifies premium through complex flavor transitions and box presentation. Best suited for:
