Cigar of the Month Club Video Review: March 2023

Despite the talent working at every turn, tobacco can be unpredictable – not every harvest or finished blend can be a success. In this month’s assortment, however, our experts selected five premiums which are considered nothing short of impressive.

Released in 2014, Montecristo Espada is a collaboration between Altadis’ Grupo de Maestros and the Plasencias – one where these “cigar masters” had unrestricted access to Nestor Plasencia’s tobacco archive and state-of-the-art factory. Another hit from Tabacalera AJ Fernandez, Ave Maria Lionheart is a great option for those who enjoy his handiwork, but prefer a medium-bodied, full-flavor experience. After a brand re-design Drew Estate released the Nica Rustica Adobe, a line extension in honor of Estelí, Nicaragua, which debuted during a “Freestyle Live” online event. ‘90’ rated, the Alec Bradley American Classic is more mellow than most of the company’s portfolio, but it’s got chutzpah thanks to Connecticut seeds grown in fertile Honduran soil. And finally, the ‘93’-rated Brick House got its name as an homage to J.C. Newman’s childhood home in Hungary. Although originally a Cuban puro, 80 years after its inception, Newman’s grandsons reconfigured the blend to be a mix of Ecuadorian and Nicaraguan long-leaves.