Altadis USA released the third cigar under the Montecristo Epic series, the Montecristo Epic Craft Cured, in December 2017. The Montecristo Epic cigar series is produced in Nicaragua by the Plasencia family and consist of the Epic, Epic Estoque and Craft Cured. The tobaccos used in the Montecristo Epic Craft Cured are quite unique in that they were fermented in small pilones instead of large ones because Altidis claims this gives the tobaccos a richer flavor. The wrapper is a Nicaraguan Rosado Oscuro that is from 2006 along with a binder from the volcanic island of Ometepe in Nicaragua. The filler tobaccos are all from Nicaragua from Jalapa, Condega and Esteli.
[Editor’s Note: This review was originally scheduled for April 2018. Due to blogging software glitch, it was lost but mysteriously resurfaced this weekend. -Brian]
- Vitola: Toro
- Size: 6 x 52
- Wrapper: Nicaraguan Rosado Oscuro
- Binder: Nicaraguan – Ometepe
- Filler: Nicaraguan – Esteli, Condega and Jalapa regions
- MSRP: $15.75 (Box of 10)
- Sample provided by Altadis
Appearance
The cigar has a gorgeous reddish brown wrapper that looks very nice. The wrapper looks very smooth with the wrapper leaf not having very thick veins and very minimal blotching. The Montecristo Epic Craft Cured has a foot band with an image of a wax seal with the Montecristo logo and the words “Vintage 2006 Nicaraguan Rosado Oscuro” on it. The cold draw had notes of wood, hay and leather.
First Half
The cigar started off a little mild, but ramped up quite a bit in both body and flavor. I get notes of oak, leather, cocoa, pepper and almond. The body is medium-full with a nice long finish. The cigar is smoking great with an excellent burn.
Second Half
The second half is even more intense in flavor than the first half. The oak and leather notes are definitely the backbone of the cigar, but the cocoa powder, pepper and almond flavors give it structure. I’m also getting some espresso notes in the cigar which adds a hint of bitterness. This is great because I’m getting a subtle sweetness as well so these notes give a nice contrast in the flavor of the cigar. The Montecristo Epic Craft Cured still has a great burn with a more full body.
Conclusion
This cigar is probably the best Montecristo produced. I wasn’t too impressed with the original Epic, but this one blew me away. The flavors and the strength slowly ramped up from the beginning to the end. I’ve been very impressed with what Altadis has been putting out lately and this one is no exception. The Montecristo Epic Craft Cured exhibited a elegant smoking experience with a full body which usually isn’t easy to do. I hated to put this cigar out and smoked it down to a small nub, which I usually never do. It was that good. I love the fact that these come in 10 count boxes as well which makes them easier on the wallet to purchase, because, believe me, I will be buying a box of these cigars. Check these out at your local cigar shop as I expect these to be a big seller.
