Let's talk about this Nicaraguan beast disguised in Montecristo clothing. The Espada Oscuro Ricasso comes in boxes of 10 sticks at $150.56, packing a 5"x54 robusto shape that feels meaty in hand. Unlike your typical Monte's Dominican roots, this dark knight uses Plasencia-grown Nicaraguan tobacco throughout - wrapper, binder and filler all sourced from Estelí's volcanic soil. That iconic sword band isn't just for show - it stabs your palate with pepper before revealing surprising complexity.
The cold draw whispers sweet soil. Upon lighting, black pepper slaps your tongue like a Nicaraguan sandstorm - classic Plasencia signature. Wait 5 minutes and espresso grounds emerge through the spice cloud. Smoke production's medium-plus, leaving cedar chip aroma on the retrohale.
At the 30-minute mark, the cigar stops shouting. Leather and bitter cocoa dominate now, with baking spices (think nutmeg) dancing in the background. Watch the burn line - my sample canoeed slightly here, needing a touch-up despite its supposedly expert construction.
Nearing the nub, the Oscuro wrapper flexes its muscles. Charred meat flavors emerge alongside espresso rinds, but there's a saving grace - dried fruit sweetness lingering under the boldness. Strength builds to full-bodied territory, though nicotine hit remains manageable for a 5" smoke.
Rolled at Plasencia's Nicaraguan factory, using their signature tobacco cultivation from Jalapa valley. The "Oscuro" wrapper isn't just color-deep - leaves undergo extended fermentation to develop concentrated flavors. Fun fact: This marks Montecristo's first all-Nicaraguan blend since their Cuban days.
