Let's cut straight to the chase - this 6x60 Nicaraguan beast from Montecristo's Espada line punches with serious flavors. Priced at $16 per stick in 10-count boxes, it ditches the brand's usual Dominican profile for Plasencia-grown tobaccos. The oily Oscuro wrapper glistens with visible toothiness, promising a full-flavored ride that actually burns evenly despite the massive ring gauge.
Cold draw gives black pepper and damp earth. Initial puffs blast through with espresso bitterness and charred oak - typical Plasencia power moves. Retrohale reveals baking spices beneath the smoke curtain. Burns cool despite the thickness.
Leather and molasses emerge as the core. Noticeable salted caramel sweetness cuts through, especially when paired with coffee. Ash holds firm for two inches. Watch the burn line - needs one minor touch-up around halfway.
Cocoa powder dryness takes over. Savory umami notes develop (think soy sauce reduction), with lingering black cherry on the finish. Strength builds significantly - nicotine-sensitive smokers might want to stop at 45-minute mark.
The blend combines Estelí (volcanic soil power), Jalapa Valley (sweetness), and rare Ometepe Island leaves (mineral tang). Wrapper comes from Ecuadorian Sumatra-seed plants grown under 80% shade. Rolled at Plasencia's Esteli factory using their signature triple-cap technique.
Dry-box for 12 hours before smoking - helps tame the initial harshness. Pair with cold brew coffee or añejo tequila to accentuate the inherent sweetness. Not recommended for morning smokes unless you've had breakfast.
