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1999 Saint Luis Rey Lonsdale (REO EP00) This was just excellent. First half was like a high class s'more. The predominant flavors vacillated between marshmallow, milk chocolate, graham cracker, espresso, black pepper and paprika. There was always a light, peppery, toasted tobacco base. As one might expect from a lonsdale of any marca, the body and intensity gradually built as I progressed through the length of the cigar. That’s not to say, however, that it started out mild. No sir. I ran into some significant burn issues in the middle, which required some touchup and cost me some tobacco. I consider this a more-than-fair price of admission for the show I was about to receive though. Angels’ share. Second half was ALL cream. Like frikkin heavy whipping cream. The smoke coated every nook and cranny of my mouth. Even my teeth felt like Elvis’ suit. Crushed velvet, baby. Sublime. Complementary flavors varied throughout the second half. Nougat, nutmeg, chocolate, caramel, chile, clove, citrus, and something I can't put my finger on. Sort of a bittersweet savory thing. Maybe like a nicely marbled steak marinated in cocoa and molasses. I dunno. It escapes me. On the whole, the second half was like the olfactory sensory overload of a German christmas party. I burnt my fingertips trying to get ‘just one more...!’ draw before having to finally let it go to the Gods. The development of flavors wasn’t quite as subtle and elegant as that of an aged 898. If the 898 is a tasteful literary classic, this lonsdale was ‘Road Warrior’. One minute all is peaceful, and the next, a mongrel marauder is running over a shopkeep with his motorbike. The twists and turns on the flavor ride were like that of a roller coaster. It kept me more on the edge of my seat, than melting into it. It was very exciting. I’ve smoked a lot of good cigars this year, but this one is one of the greats. 2008 898; 2013 PCE; 2011 OR RG Perlas; 1999 SLR Lonsdale - these guys stand out as legends among heroes. I won’t soon forget this cigar.

I've had a couple of very busy weeks, with little leisure time lately, so I was due for a nice relaxing smoke. I reached into the humi for one of my favorites, a 2007 Monte No. 1 I acquired in a trade. Well, it turned out to be hard as a tent peg the entire length, and it was very, very tight. I struggled through it, but couldn't make much of it. That really bummed me out. Well, today I had to atone for yesterday's disappointment, so I went to a sure and reliable Montecristo No. 1 with code BUM JUL 15, sourced from our host. This code has been remarkably consistent, not a bad one yet. It felt firm, but not rock solid, and the reddish Colorado wrapper looks incredibly promising. I took the cigar out, a bottle of Hoegaarden, and grabbed my new camera to take some practice shots. Draw was perfect, just a tad of resistance. Cold aroma had hints of wood and barnyard, terrific. The magic started as soon as the torch heated the foot and I was off on my journey, this is exactly what I was craving. It started light and aromatic, with a woody, earthy aroma that is so characteristic of this vitola. First Third Deliciously balanced mix of mild coffee, a tinge of coca, nuts roasting on a fire, and a faint hint of citrus. The burn was flawless, the ash was white and solid. Bliss was settling on my patio. I read a few hints and tips about my new Canon G7X II camera and setup the WiFi bridge so I could transfer photos to my Google Drive and my phone. That is handy. As the first third evolved, refined quality and balance just stood out. I could taste some hints of vanilla in the intake, and I found myself titling my head forward to catch the smoke trail rising from the coal and inhaling it. There is a sweet and delightful aroma from this Monte, it reminds me off rich oak timber burning in a fireplace after a fresh snowfall. Intoxicating. Second Third Body evolved to a mild/medium and the flavor intensified. There is a lovely blend of coffee and cocoa present, vanilla too, but another refined earthy element seems to be wafting in, perhaps a touch of mild spice; paprika? Refined, balanced, smooth, creamy... a perfect melange of flavors, yet never overpowering, no acidic reactions or hot spots on the tongue, just incredible smoothness. The ash just hung on forever. Last Third Surprising how quickly I got to this stage. I wasn't smoking fast, but I was enjoying the taste and the moment so much my mind must have escaped reality for a time. Shifting focus back to the review I noted that the last third was much like the second, as near perfect as I could hope for. Coffee slightly amped up, with whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa. What I sensed earlier as paprika has now turned to nutmeg. What a wonderful experience. I am savoring every moment of this near perfect cigar. Final Thoughts We all have our favorite flavor profiles, the certain blend that seems to have been made just for you, and when you find it you better stock up, and even though I bought a couple of boxes I regret not having more of these beauties. There is not a single fault I could find with this cigar, it was delightful from start to finish, pure cream and bliss. I rate this a 9.8 on my personal scale, a truly memorable cigar you want to smoke over and over again.