Let's talk about the Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Nicaragua Toro - a box-pressed Nicaraguan puro with serious swagger. This 6x54 stick uses all-A.J. Fernandez-grown tobacco aged for 2 years post-rolling. At $16.78 per cigar in 10-count boxes, it's positioned as a premium daily smoke rather than a special occasion cigar.
The cold draw gives black pepper with a sweet leather undertone. Initial puffs deliver cedar and roasted almonds, accompanied by a creamy texture. Smoke output feels moderate - not a cloud chaser's dream but enough for flavor saturation.
At the halfway point, dark chocolate and espresso notes dominate. There's a noticeable mineral tang (think wet stone) that cuts through the sweetness. The ash holds firm for about 1.5 inches before dropping. Burn line stays razor-sharp without corrections.
Approaching the nub, the nicotine kick becomes apparent but remains manageable. Leather and white pepper resurface while the cocoa sweetness dials back. No harshness despite pushing past the band, though some gurgle occurs in the last inch.
The box-press feels substantial without being bulky. Triple cap holds firm during cutting. Wrapper shows moderate oil sheen with minimal veins. Draw resistance sits at that sweet spot - enough tension for flavor concentration but no jaw workout required.
Works best with bourbon (Woodford Reserve) or black coffee. Avoid sugary drinks - the cigar's natural sweetness gets overwhelmed. Morning smoke potential if you've had breakfast first.
