Montecristo Nicaragua Robusto 5″ * 54

Montecristo Nicaragua is the brand’s Nicaraguan puro, and Altadis handed the blending to AJ Fernandez, which puts it a long way from the mild Dominican Montecristo most people picture.

A Nicaraguan Habano wrapper covers a Nicaraguan puro, full in body. Expect cedar, black pepper, coffee and a sweet, earthy middle. At 5 by 54 the robusto holds one character from light to finish.

AJ Fernandez rolls for a long list of brands besides his own, and his signature is the Nicaraguan pepper and sweetness sitting side by side. It shows in a short, thick robusto more than anywhere.

Pairs well with bourbon, espresso, or porter.