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Montecristo Especiale No. 1 1997 Pre-light – beautiful construction. Colorado shade wrapper. Nice pigtail cap. Firmly packed. Prelight draw demonstrated that this was really well packed, with a slight concern it might be just a tad too tight. First light – nope. Not too tight. Just right. Initial impressions of aged milk chocolate. Great start. 1st Third – Took time to light the cigar with torch. Not burning the end like most do. Keeping end of cigar just outside of flame and slowly toast the entire end. When I take the time to do this, the burn is usually razor sharp. That was the case here too. Body is mild to medium, as may be expected with a skinny over 20 years old. This cigar reminds me that you don’t always need a fat cigar to have good flavor and a good smoking experience. I’m getting nutmeg and a less intense nutty flavor – like cashew. I’m drinking this with morning coffee – with sugar and cream – so that may influence some of the taste. 2d Third – Predominantly vintage leather, nutmeg, and almond milk. Final Third- Nicotine hitting hard. Despite a medium-body, hits like a full body smoke. Not too much further development. Leather. Dry spice. Not peppery; more herbal. Summary – not very complicated. Just a pleasant vintage smoke. 91-92/100.

Ahhhh, Monte's. Cocoa goodness. The marca I have the most of, almost all PSP from here (2, 4, 5, MC, and a few odds and ends). I do love some Montecristo. I bought this box back in April of this year. Great construction, good cedar and tobacco smell pre-light. V cut, good toasting, first puffs are the main theme throughout - cocoa and coffee. I don't get the cream in these that I do in the 2 or 4, to me the 5 is more coffee and richer (although the boxes of PSP 4's I have are divine cocoa cream monsters, they're ... different). Didn't time this one, but sat on the porch, enjoyed my morning and puffed away. The size and profile make these along with 4's and Party Shorts my favorite smokes. For me this is a 90 cigar, great and hopefully only getting better over the next few years. Like cocoa? Buy monte's, and if you like 4's try a 5.