Montecristo Nicaragua Toro 6″ x 54

From the non-Cuban Montecristo line, the Montecristo Nicaragua Toro is a Habano-wrapped box-pressed toro, handmade in Nicaragua. This is the non-Cuban Montecristo, made by Altadis; the original Cuban brand was named after The Count of Monte Cristo, the novel once read aloud to rollers in the factory.

It blends a Nicaraguan Habano wrapper over a Nicaraguan binder and filler at a full body, leading with cedar, black pepper, espresso, and a sweet, leathery spice. At 6 by 54, the box press gives it crisp edges and a slow, even burn.

Ecuadorian Habano and Nicaraguan Habano are the same seed in different dirt, and they do not smoke alike. Ecuador’s cloud cover gives a smoother, more even leaf, while Nicaraguan sun puts more pepper in it.

Pairs well with bourbon, espresso, or porter.