Espada Ricasso by Montecristo
This month’s review by Mr. Clay the Cigar Guy from The Cigar Society, is the Espada Ricasso (5 x 54) by Montecristo. This cigar has been in my rotation of go-to cigars since the first time I tried it four years ago. Today, I prefer to enjoy this great cigar in my home lounge with a chilled pour of my favorite Scotch, The Balvenie 14 Year Caribbean Cask.
I choose to smoke indoors, because let’s face it, the Texas summers are brutal. And, if you’ve ever met me, you can see immediately that I’m built for pleasure and not for speed. So, I grab the Espada from my personal humidor, spinning it between my fingers as I walk to my four-hole tabletop cigar cutter. As always, I do a V-cut. However, today I decided to do a “crosscut” with my V-cutter. Which is exactly how it sounds. I cut it with a V-cut, turn the cigar 180 degrees, and cut it again. I rotate the stick as I light it, using my refillable Firebird Triple Torch. I get it lit and make my first draw on the delicious cigar. I am immediately hit with a coffee and chocolate note. I smoke this cigar at my leisure, as I have nowhere to go, and a generous pour of a 14-year Scotch on my table.
The draws are long, drawn-out affairs for me, as I try to devour every note on every pull. Little by little, I start to taste the leather, cedar, and earth tones that make this cigar so great. As I get into the middle third of this cigar, I’m sipping on The Balvenie 14 Year, and I notice a slight change in the flavor profile. For me, I started to taste the coffee notes a bit more, lost a little bit of the chocolate, but gained a small hint of citrus, which was a pleasant surprise. As this happens, I am reminded of how many times a well-matched pairing between a quality cigar and a worthy liquor, beer, or cup of coffee can change your entire tasting experience. The final third of this cigar is when everything comes together for me, making me reminisce about the first time I ever smoked it. The chocolate notes came back with a vengeance, and it was accompanied by a door-kicking spice which paired perfectly with my Scotch of choice. This pairing went together like an angel and heaven, which is a perfect analogy, because this pairing felt like it was ordained by the Gods. Do yourself a favor and pick up an Espada Ricasso by Montecristo. The drink you decide to pair it with is up to you.
The Montecristo Espada Ricasso cigars are a collaboration between the legendary Grupo de Maestros from Altadis U.S.A., and the famous Plasencia family in Nicaragua. This collaboration is the first Montecristo offering made in Nicaragua, and it does not disappoint. The Espada Ricasso is a 5×54 Nicaraguan puro comprised solely of choice Cuban-seed tobacco, expertly cultivated by the highly skilled growers at the Plasencia family farm. This sophisticated blend features Habano Jalapa Seco Vintage 2008 / Habana Jalapa Viso Ometepe Vintage 2008 / and Habano Condega Ligero Vintage 2008 tobacco was used for the long fillers. Those leaves are followed by a Habano Jalapa Vintage 2009 binder and a Habano Jalapa Vintage 2010 wrapper. The luxurious medium-to-full bodied premium tobacco proudly displays the unrivaled skills of two of the most notable names in the cigar world. This collaboration provides a decadent smoke with rich flavors of earth, leather, cinnamon, cocoa, and cream.
The Espada is widely regarded as a solid, medium-bodied Nicaraguan puro that offers a flavorful experience with a focus on coffee, earthy notes, and a hint of cedar. Some reviewers praise its complexity and transitions, while others note construction issues like draw problems and bitterness. For the record, I did not have any construction issues or bitterness. Overall, I think it is a great addition to the Montecristo line, particularly for those who enjoy Nicaraguan cigars, but some find the price point a bit high. I think the price point is spot on.
Key Points from Reviews
Flavor Profile:
The Montecristo Espada is known for flavors like cedar, coffee, earth, leather, and occasionally hints of chocolate, citrus, or spice.
Body and Strength:
It’s generally considered a medium-bodied cigar with a medium strength, offering a balanced experience.
Construction:
Some reviewers have reported construction issues, such as draw problems and bitterness. I found the burn and draw to be excellent.
Pairing:
Scotch, Bourbon, Rum, Guinness Stout, Cognac, Brandy, Wine, Dark Roast Coffee, or Espresso.
Smoking Experience:
Reviewers highlight the cigar’s complexity and transitions, noting that the flavors evolve throughout the smoking experience.
Specific Observations:
Some reviewers note that the Espada offers a more refined side of Nicaraguan tobacco, compared to the more traditional Dominican blends associated with Montecristo. The Espada is often compared to other Nicaraguan puros, with some reviewers suggesting that it offers a more approachable and less overwhelming experience than some of the bolder options.
The “Montecristo Espada Signature” line, in particular, has been noted for its medium-bodied, flavor-rich experience and its tendency to build towards a satisfying crescendo. The “Espada Oscuro Guard” has been described as having a rich, earthy flavor profile with notes of chocolate, cedar, and pepper.
Overall:
The Montecristo Espada is a well-regarded cigar that offers a flavorful and complex smoking experience, particularly for those who enjoy Nicaraguan puros. It is a solid addition to the Montecristo line and a worthwhile smoke for those seeking a medium-bodied experience.
