Montecristo is one of the most iconic names in the cigar world, but let's be honest: choosing a Montecristo can be confusing. There are at least a dozen versions of this line available in the U.S., and the styles range from very mild to quite full bodied to everything in between. Sometimes, there can be too many choices. This year, however, the choice was clear. The Montecristo Nicaragua Series Robusto was the most balanced and dynamic Montecristo we encountered in 2018. The cigars are sold and distributed in the U.S. through Altadis U.S.A., a subsidiary of Tabacalera USA, which, in turn is owned by tobacco giant Imperial Brands PLC of Great Britain. While it may sound overly corporate, the people behind this brand are true cigar lovers with full understanding of the market, the industry and the reputation of a classic trademark like Montecristo. The cigar is a new one, launched in the summer of 2018. Its blend is a collaboration between Rafael Nodal, head of product capability for Altadis U.S.A., and cigarmaker A.J. Fernandez, who makes quite a few brands for Altadis, including this one. The result is a fine cigar made in Nicaragua, and made solely from Nicaraguan tobacco. The balance of this cigar is undeniable, medium to full in body, resonating with the fine qualities of chocolate-covered espresso beans, rich woods and dried fruit.