Created to commemorate the 85th anniversary of the Montecristo brand, this exceptional cigar represents the finest non-Cuban Montecristo ever produced. This Nicaraguan puro delivers a medium to full-bodied experience with a spicy, earthy backbone refined by notes of leather, coconut, and malted milk. Cigar Aficionado awarded the No. 2 vitola the #2 Cigar of the Year in 2021 with a 95-point rating, and again recognized it in 2024 with an impressive 97-point rating. Developed through a collaboration between Altadis brand ambassador Rafael Nodal and master blender AJ Fernandez, this blend pays tribute to the original 1935 Montecristo recipe. Crafted at AJ Fernandez's esteemed San Lotano factory in Ocotal, Nicaragua, all tobacco is grown on Fernandez's farms in Nicaragua. Once rolled, the cigars are box-pressed and aged for an additional 2 years, ensuring exceptional quality and complexity. These soft box-pressed cigars honor the age-old tradition of gentle pressing, creating a luxurious smoking experience. The flavor profile encompasses notes of wood, coffee, cinnamon, earth, spice, and naturally sweet tobacco from start to finish. The well-balanced profile delivers a smooth smoking indulgence with a long and lingering finish of hickory and cedar.