I finally sat down with a Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Nicaragua No. 2 last night, and it's about time I talked about why this cigar keeps winning everyone over. It's not just another release from a big name trying to capitalize on a famous history; it's a full-bodied powerhouse that actually feels like it has a soul. If you've been hanging around cigar shops lately, you've probably seen these boxes sitting prominently on the shelves, and for good reason.
This isn't your grandfather's mellow Montecristo. When this project was first announced, people were curious because it was a collaboration between the Altadis team and the legendary AJ Fernandez. Now, AJ has his hands in a lot of pots these days, but when he touches a Montecristo, something special usually happens. This specific blend was created to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the brand, and they didn't hold back on the intensity or the craftsmanship.
First Impressions and That Beautiful Box-Press
The first thing you'll notice about the Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Nicaragua No. 2 is the shape. It's a classic No. 2 torpedo, but it's got a soft box-press that feels incredibly comfortable in the hand. I've always been a fan of the No. 2 vitola—that tapered head just concentrates the flavors perfectly—but adding a box-press gives it a slightly different mouthfeel that I really enjoy.
The wrapper is a dark, oily Nicaraguan Habano leaf that looks almost like a piece of high-end chocolate. It's toothy, it's got some visible veins, but it's rolled so cleanly that you can tell the rollers at San Lotano were on their A-game. When I took it out of the cellophane, the aroma was immediately noticeable. We're talking heavy notes of cedar, barnyard, and a deep sweetness that reminds me of dried raisins or figs. It's a "heavy" smelling cigar, if that makes sense.
The Cold Draw and Lighting Up
Cutting a torpedo can be tricky for some, but I always suggest starting with a small snip. You can always take more off, but you can't put it back. With the Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Nicaragua No. 2, the draw was spot on right from the start. Even before lighting it, the cold draw gave me some intense notes of black pepper and a rich, earthy cocoa.
Lighting this thing up is an experience. It's a Nicaraguan puro, so you expect a bit of a "pepper blast" in the first few puffs, and man, does it deliver. The first inch is like a wake-up call for your palate. There's a lot of spice, particularly on the retrohale, which might be a bit much for someone who usually smokes lighter Connecticut shades. But give it five minutes to settle down, and that's where the magic starts to happen.
Diving Into the Flavor Profile
The middle section of the Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Nicaragua No. 2 is where the complexity really shines. Once that initial pepper blast mellows out, it makes room for a lot of creamy, savory notes. I picked up a lot of charred oak and a very distinct espresso bean flavor. What's interesting is that even though it's a strong cigar—definitely on the full-bodied side—it stays remarkably smooth.
There's a natural sweetness that weaves in and out. It's not a sugary sweetness, but more like a dark, bittersweet chocolate or even a hint of black cherry. It balances out the earthiness perfectly. About halfway through, the strength starts to ramp up again. You can feel the nicotine, so I wouldn't recommend smoking this on an empty stomach. This is a "post-steak-dinner" kind of cigar.
As you get into the final third, the flavors darken even more. The wood notes become more prominent, and the spice returns, but it's more of a warm baking spice now rather than the sharp black pepper from the beginning. It never got bitter on me, which is a testament to the aged tobacco they're using in this blend. I smoked it down until my fingers were getting hot, and it stayed consistent all the way to the nub.
Construction, Burn, and Technical Stuff
I'm usually pretty critical of burn lines, but the Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Nicaragua No. 2 performed like a champ. The ash was a light grey and held on in solid one-inch chunks. I didn't have to touch it up once with my lighter, which is saying something for a box-pressed torpedo. Sometimes those corners can cause a jagged burn, but this one stayed razor-sharp.
The smoke output is also worth mentioning. It's thick and chewy. If you're the kind of smoker who likes to see big clouds of white smoke, you're going to be happy here. It has a great "aroma" too—that classic, rich tobacco smell that makes people around you say, "Actually, that smells pretty good," even if they don't smoke themselves.
Why the No. 2 Vitola Matters
There are several sizes in the 1935 Anniversary line, but there's something iconic about the No. 2. For decades, the Montecristo No. 2 has been the gold standard for torpedoes in the cigar world. By choosing this vitola for the Nicaraguan anniversary blend, they're paying homage to that legacy while giving it a modern, AJ Fernandez-style twist.
The taper at the head allows you to control the draw and the heat of the smoke. If you want a tighter draw and more concentrated flavor, you cut just a tiny bit off. If you want it more open, you cut a bit deeper. I find that with this specific blend, a slightly tighter draw really brings out the cocoa and cream notes, whereas a wide-open cut emphasizes the strength and pepper.
Is It Worth the Hype?
It's no secret that the Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Nicaragua No. 2 was named Cigar of the Year by a major publication not too long ago. Usually, when a cigar gets that kind of press, it becomes impossible to find or the quality dips because they're rushing to meet demand. Surprisingly, that hasn't happened here. They've managed to keep the quality high.
In terms of price, it's not a "budget" smoke, but it's not prohibitively expensive either. Considering the aging process and the fact that it's a premium collaboration, the value is definitely there. You're getting a complex, high-end experience for a price that feels fair in today's market.
Final Thoughts for the Casual Smoker
If you're relatively new to cigars, don't let the "full-bodied" label scare you off, but do take your time with it. Smoke it slowly. If you rush a cigar like the Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Nicaragua No. 2, the heat will ruin those subtle chocolate and oak notes. Pair it with something that can stand up to its strength—a nice bourbon, a dark rum, or even just a heavy cup of black coffee.
This isn't just another box on the shelf; it's a high-water mark for what modern Nicaraguan tobacco can do when paired with a legendary brand name. It's bold, it's sophisticated, and honestly, it's just a lot of fun to smoke. Whether you're celebrating something special or you just had a long Tuesday and need to decompress, this stick is a solid choice.
I'll definitely be keeping a few of these in my humidor for the long haul. It feels like one of those blends that will only get better with a year or two of age, though it's pretty much perfect right now. If you haven't tried one yet, do yourself a favor and pick one up. It lives up to the name.