A Taste of Fall: Montecristo Espada Conquistador Ricasso

It’s beginning to feel a bit like fall. The screened porch is cool, but the heaters aren’t needed yet. Evening smoking sessions are enjoyable, as long as I don’t think too much about the winter that will follow this pleasant period.

For a cooler weather after-dinner smoke, I grabbed a Montecristo Espada Conquistador Ricasso. This addition to the Espada line was introduced in June 2026. I added some to the humidor only about six weeks ago, but figured that was enough rest time to light one up.

Expecting a sweeter, medium-bodied profile from the Nicaraguan puro, I poured some Knob Creek 12 Year Bourbon for its oaky flavor and easy-sipping profile.

The Montecristo Espada Conquistador Ricasso is a 5 x 54 Robusto with a deep brown Jalapa leaf wrapper. The binder hails from Ometepe, while the filler tobaccos come from Condega and Estelí. The cigars are manufactured by Plasencia Cigars.

The cigar is decorated with three bands, which frankly look quite nice but essentially hide the cigar. Once the paper coverings are removed, the glossy, smooth wrapper is revealed.

The initial flavors are more muted than expected. Dry earth and woody notes are accompanied by just a touch of pepper on the finish. As the smoke progresses toward the midsection, toasted bread and some dark cocoa come into play, with a bit more spice added to the mix.

The Knob Creek 12 Year Bourbon is a bottle I’ve been sipping slowly for a couple of years. At a reasonable 100 proof, the bourbon has a substantial dry oak and roasted character. Vanilla, caramel, and baking spice provide some balance.

The oak-forward character of the bourbon worked well with the dry, woody character of the cigar. The profiles of both remained well balanced. While the cigar stayed generally in the dry-earth realm, the bourbon’s oak lifted the pairing. As the cigar’s toasted flavors gained prominence, the bourbon’s mild spice finish helped maintain that balance.

Only toward the end of the smoke did the cigar seem to lose its character. The finish became flat, reminding me of dry leaves. The cigar exhibited a lopsided burn along the same side throughout, which I touched up frequently in an attempt to maintain an even burn. I did not do this as the cigar got shorter, which may have contributed to the more muted finish. Perhaps with more time in the humidor, the remaining sticks will offer a different experience.

Despite the lackluster ending, I found the combination of Knob Creek 12 Year Bourbon and the Montecristo Espada Conquistador Ricasso enjoyable. The two exhibited similar profiles, with a pleasing woody character throughout. Inducing thoughts of earth, wood, and fallen leaves, it made for a fitting fall pairing.

Cheers!

Montecristo 1935 and the Revolver Cocktail to Fight the Chill

Despite my optimism in de-winterizing the screened porch last week, Mother Nature had other plans. The past few days turned notably cooler, even bringing a couple days of frost warnings. As such, it was a bit chilly when it came time for our Sunday afternoon cocktails and snacks. I assumed we’d retreat indoors, but Colleen suggested we sit out on the porch while I enjoyed a cigar.

I’d been eyeing the Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Nicaragua Toro resting in the humidor for three months now, and decided its full-bodied profile might serve as a fitting counter to the chill.

My first inclination was to pour a bourbon with the cigar, but I opted for a cocktail instead. I settled on the Revolver — a richly flavored mix of bourbon, coffee liqueur, and orange bitters that leans decidedly dessert-like.

The Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Nicaragua Toro is a 6 x 54, softly box-pressed Nicaraguan puro. It was originally released to celebrate Montecristo’s 85th anniversary, with the intent of reimagining the original 1935 Cuban profile using modern Nicaraguan tobaccos. I have enjoyed a few Cuban Montecristos on European trips, I recall only one New World Montecristo prior to this — the milder White Series, which didn’t quite suit my preferences.

The 1935 Anniversary delivers a core of dark roast coffee, earth, and bitter cocoa. A moderate dose of pepper and baking spice — especially on the retrohale — adds definition. In the latter half, notes of leather and malted chocolate emerge. The profile remains rich and well-balanced throughout.

The cigar produced copious amounts of smoke, contributing to its overall richness. Even at rest, it gave off steady plumes — at times bordering on excessive when I was actively smoking.

An exceptionally enjoyable and bold smoke, the Montecristo 1935 Anniversary paired beautifully with the Revolver. The cocktail mirrors the cigar’s espresso and cocoa notes, while the hint of orange lifts and brightens the heavier flavors. The interplay between the drink’s coffee character and the bourbon’s sweetness complemented the cigar particularly well. The dark, warming profile of the cocktail also felt right at home in the cool air.

The Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Nicaragua has received high praise, including recognition as the #2 Cigar of the Year from Cigar Aficionado in 2021. Priced in the mid-range, it delivers an exceptional smoking experience. It’s one I could easily see adding to the humidor for special occasions — or simply for a rewarding late-day smoke.

Cooler weather is set to linger through the week, but with dark, bold pairings like this, that hardly seems like a hardship. Before long, I’ll be reaching for lighter, more refreshing combinations — but for now, this suits just fine.

Cheers!

Just Cigars

It's been a while since I added to these Musings. That's not because nothing's been happening. Or, truth be told, it's more like because nothing has been happening. When I'm not working, we've been doing just that — nothing.

Nothing, as in relaxing and enjoying the down time. Some of that has been necessitated by a long period of dull and wet weather. I skipped shooting last weekend for lack of desire to be running through water. Fortunately the screen porch is fit for other activities.

Rocky Patel Sun Grown Maduro, a humidor staple

Fratello DMV Maduro Selection (Maryland)

Fratello DMV Maduro Selection (Delaware)

Montecristo Open, a Cuban brought back
from Ireland a few years back

Liga Sun Grown Maduro

And that's the story.

There's more cigar content over at Instagram. I tend to be more active there.