The old world heritage of Montecristo. The new world flair of Nicaragua. I hope you’re ready for a Montecristo like you’ve never experienced before, because Monte by Montecristo Crafted by AJ Fernandez (or MBMCBAJF for short) doesn’t pull any punches. The story behind this one is about as long as the name, so let’s skip it and jump right into the blend. At first look, you’re going to know this is a cigar you have to get your hands on. Each gorgeous specimen in these boxes of

The second installment of the Montecristo Artisan series is finally here. If you are unfamiliar with the first release, the Artisan Series cigars are crafted by Altadis U.S.A’s Grupo de Maestros. This is an elite group of cigar crafters and blenders with over 300 years of combined experience in the business and their skills are here on full display. This series allows each of these masters to craft their own cigar, with each cigar in the series representing a distinct persona

From the vintage Cuban-esque bands to the cabinet style box, Herrera Esteli screams Cuba. And the glue sealing the whole thing together is the blend. Oh-so-creamy, yet highly representative of Cuban cigars of old. It’s got some oomph, but the flavors are delivered in such a velvety fashion the power is beautifully masked. Crisp, clean notes of spices, cedar, cream, and roasted nuts are the backbone, as occasional hints of white pepper and semi-sweet vanilla weave masterfully

This year, Rocky Patel turned 55! So he celebrated the way any cigar legend would celebrate a milestone birthday. He blended an awesome cigar. Rocky Patel Fifty-Five is a new, top-shelf addition to the boutique Rocky Patel brand. Technically speaking this one’s part of Rocky’s “Artisan” Series, and is made at the company’s factory in Esteli, Nicaragua. Sitting on the top of every Rocky Patel Fifty Five is a gorgeous, reddish-brown Nicaraguan wrapper leaf. Underneath, you’ll f