Unlike most non-Cuban Montecristos, the Espada by Montecristo brand is made in Nicaragua at Plasencia Cigars and is a collaboration between Plasencia and the Altadis blending team, known as the Grupo de Maestros. They're made entirely from Nicaraguan tobacco and come packaged in striking suede boxes of 10. Each cigar is adorned with three bands: a primary Montecristo band, a foot band that reads "Espada" and a certificate wrapped around the middle. Spanish for "sword," Espada is also a reference to the rapiers found on the iconic Montecristo logo, which was reinterpreted for this line. The large Quillon is an exceptional smoke offering the spice of a gingersnap with touches of cinnamon that build to a sweet, spicy finish.