Montecristo Open Master

[gfoster]

I picked up a fiver of these in a box split a while back and have gifted a couple of them without trying them. To be perfectly honest, after hearing everyone pan these so badly I wasn't sure if I wanted to bother trying them, but the weather is nice here and I was roasting coffee and I decided I really should try these before I inflict them on anymore of my friends. I wasn't expecting much.

Construction: Excellent. No soft spots, perfectly filled, wrapper in perfect shape.

Cut with my new cuban crafters guillotine cutter, prelight draw was sort of "meh" with not much to it.

First third: Ok, started out a bit harsh. I thought these were supposed to be mild and for "new" cigar smokers. After settling down, though, the harshness was replaced with a bit of spice, maybe some toasted nuts and a sweet creamy smoke. Now I definitely see the attraction for a "less experienced" smoker.

Second third: More of the same, but I'm starting to pick up a bit of vanilla, maybe some milk chocolate (not bitter). Definite hint of spiciness, but not peppery... more like a subtle gingerbread. It's really settled into this smooth, mild/medium bodied creamy goodness. I'm really liking this. It's not all "in your face" like most of the NCs I've been smoking lately.

Final third: Again, more of the same. Not a tremendous amount of complexity but the gingerbread and slight molasses is coming out a bit more strongly and it goes really well with the sweet vanilla (I am a sucker for the spice/sweet combination). It's still a very mild creamy smoke but it's not complex at all. Pretty much the same cigar start to finish. Wrapper is sort of falling apart towards the end, but I nubbed it and burnt my fingers so I can't complain.

Burn: Excellent. No canoeing, no tunneling, one relight because I wasn't paying attention and let it sit while I thought on worldly matters. Firm dark grey ash that held to about an inch and a half easily.

Overall: Very good solid cigar. I don't agree with all the whiners critics who beat this stick up. Sure, it's not crazy complex and it's pretty much the same cigar start to finish, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and wouldn't be ashamed to have a box of these set back at all. I'd give this a solid 4 out of 5 on my rating scale. It's a subtle smoke that doesn't jump up in my face but it's also got a lot going on in the background if I pay attention to it.

Of course, I'm probably dead in the target category for these cigars. I've only been smoking for about 4 months but I just really don't agree with the critics. This is a pretty damned decent cigar and since I don't see them in the czar store, I'm going to be forced to find these somewhere else I guess I really honestly enjoyed this stick and am regretting giving them away before trying them. Luckily I still have two more in my humidor!

Badger (Matt) suggested that people might be used to a lot more complexity and/or stronger smokes and they might be suffering from palate fatigue. I don't know if he's right or not but it sounds perfectly reasonable, but since I'm a noob I definitely enjoyed this. I highly recommend it for people who aren't jaded and cynical as experienced with cubans and are looking for a good introduction(lol).

-- Gary F.

[cigarros]

Thanks for sharing! Nice review! For me, this cigar too light, the questioned version of Monte for last year... However, once again thank you!

[El Presidente]

Taste a half dozen from various boxes and let us know how you go

[gfoster]

Taste a half dozen from various boxes and let us know how you go

Ok, turn me loose in your humidor and come in and rescue me in about a week. I'll have notes on LOTS of cigars from LOTS of different boxes

-- Gary F.

[Colt45]

I've only been smoking for about 4 months but I just really don't agree with the critics.

I don't agree with all the whiners who beat this stick up.

I highly recommend it for people who aren't jaded and cynical (lol).

You're surely entitled to your opinion, but I don't think members here should be considered whiners, jaded, or cynical simply because their opinions

differ from yours. Perhaps the people who haven't enjoyed it simply haven't enjoyed it - perhaps it's just not their cup of tea.

You should buy a box, put it away, and come back to it in a couple of years, then let us know your thoughts.

For what it's worth, I've not tried any of the open line, but there are plenty of other cigars I've not sampled either.

[gfoster]

Got your panties in a wad there Colt? You should realize my whiners/cynical/etc comments are tongue in cheek. Complete shame I have to go to the bother of even pointing that out. I thought people around here were a little less worried about getting smoke blown up their skirts than that.

I went completely out on a limb reviewing a cigar here (a) as a noob and ( one that is so widely looked down on in the first place. Nowhere did I say "you whiners are all wrong and completely stupid". I simply said I don't agree with the people who have widely panned this cigar and I actually enjoyed it. Of course, like I pointed out, I *am* a noob and more than likely directly in the target category for this unlike a lot of the old timers who've been smoking cigars since Noah started hammering on the ark.

And I absolutely *will* buy a box and put it away. Already planned on it.

-- Gary F.

[Colt45]

I went completely out on a limb reviewing a cigar here (a) as a noob and ( one that is so widely looked down on in the first place.

That's just it - you didn't go out on a limb. All members with all levels of experience are encouraged to post reviews. While people may not agree

with your opinion, I doubt it would have been criticized - nobody would have compared your palate to say, that of an amoeba.

[Ellery]

Thanks for the review.

[gfoster]

Alright, Colt, I really don't want to get into a pissing match with you over this. You win. Next time I post a review I'll make sure I moderate my use of the the English language so as not to offend your sensibilities.

And to all you fine gentlemen out there who were grievously offended by my unfortunate and insensitive use of the words "jaded, cynical and whiner" please allow me to extend my utmost heartfelt apologies. I'll retire to the garage and smoke a casa magna in penance. I've since edited my original post to fix such demeaning language and I sincerely hope we can all just set this aside, learn from my mistake and move forward into the light of a new and kinder day.

-- Gary F.

[Ellery]

Alright, Colt, I really don't want to get into a pissing match with you over this. You win. Next time I post a review I'll make sure I moderate my use of the the English language so as not to offend your sensibilities.

And to all you fine gentlemen out there who were grievously offended by my unfortunate and insensitive use of the words "jaded, cynical and whiner" please allow me to extend my utmost heartfelt apologies. I'll retire to the garage and smoke a casa magna in penance. I've since edited my original post to fix such demeaning language and I sincerely hope we can all just set this aside, learn from my mistake and move forward into the light of a new and kinder day.

-- Gary F.

You may need to smoke 2 casa magnas

[Colt45]

no pissing match, no animus, and no need to edit your post.

[Habanos2000]

I've heard the open line creates mild levels of hostility and paranoia. That's the reason I'm staying away from them.

[samb]

:) Gary, you live on the edge. My noob palate may be interested in a fiver in the future if you do pick up a box.

[El Presidente]

Ones opinion on a cigar has always been that on FOH. Opinion. Many different views ensue and the highlight for me is that each review provides a thread of fabric which goes toward producing an end tapestry of understanding.

To date we have done this without jibes at others opinions/reviews/thoughts. The core of FOH is respect toward each other. You can't breach that and then state the place is not as laid back as you thought. On FOH you can wisecrack and take the piss out of whomever you like. It is a national sport here. However, the minute you have a personal dig you cross the line.

To me it is water off a ducks back. If someone else reviewed that cigar again in a seriously positive note it would tempt me to revisit. As it is it has been 3 months since my last and it was still souless crap.....millers lite.....to me.

Differnt batches, different months, touch up of the blend or simply different likes and dislikes. All a possibility.

[gfoster]

Really, I wasn't taking digs at anyone and I'm beginning to feel just a little beset upon. I was honestly trying to be tongue in cheek, and if the mea culpa I already offered up isn't good enough then I really don't know what to offer. The apology was offered with all good intentions (and from Colt's response it appears to have been received that way as well and accepted), and I'm beginning to feel like the guy in the proverbial barrel here.

So it's been stated I made a personal dig, but I didn't intend any of it to be personal, I didn't call anyone out, I didn't point fingers or name names, and I very much was under the impression when I posted it that I was simply as you put it "wisecracking". Perhaps, much like in Ken's essay on Oz where it was talked about "not using Aussie slang unless I'm good at fistfights" I should really just abstain from even the hint of wisecracking because I assure you (as my much bent Irish nose will attest) the only part of fistfighting I'm good at is stopping punches with my face and I'm getting old enough where I don't heal that fast.

I really did enjoy the cigar and I also stated several times in the review that since I am quite a bit less experienced than the rest of you all that could be why I enjoyed it where the majority didn't... I'm not used to the more complex smokes that all the "jaded" folks are used to and my "measuring stick" isn't as hard to meet.

I'm really not going to apologize again over something this silly. I've apologized enough already for something that I really didn't feel like I was guilty of in the first place but was willing to accept full responsibility for in the interest of moving along. If that officially classifies me as a "tosser" or a "wanker" then so be it, but I'll be damned if I'll grovel anymore over a silly misunderstanding. I simply hoped to offer a different perspective of a much maligned smoke from the angle of someone who hasn't had the opportunity of years of experience with different CCs so that other people who also don't have that experience could hopefully get some use out of it.

-- Gary F.

[ucla695]

No worries Gary. It is what it is. From your post, it’s evident you put some time into the review, which is much appreciated. I can understand how it might feel to receive some ribbing over something you like and into which you invested effort. Just take it in stride. You knew going in how this cigar is perceived and tried to present a different take on it. Kudos for that. One thing to keep in mind is this community is not like other boards where noobs are hazed. Everyone is treated respectfully. That said, sometimes you just gotta go with the flow, even at your own expense. I look forward to reading more of your reviews.

[bassman]

The thing that makes FOH better than most forums is mutual respect we give each other. And it's only cigars. Everyone's taste is different. What I like, you may not.

That being said, I smoked a couple gifted Monte Open Juniors. Not a bad cigar, but nothing impressive either. Great construction & burn, mild to medium body & rather monolithic flavor. Not a cigar I would buy, but I don't like or buy D4s either. Purely personal taste.

If you like the Monte Open, you'll get no beef from me. I'd even smoke another if gifted. IMHO, not a great cigar, but I've certainly had worse. Boring, but not offensive.

[gfoster]

Oh I don't have a problem with people telling me I have the palate of a truck driver (no offense meant to truck drivers, I was one for several years). Hell, I like velveeta cheese and spam sandwiches too! That's not what's gotten the smoke up my skirt here. What's gotten me spun around in circles is people piling on me for making "personal" attacks when nothing could be further from the truth from my perspective. If anything, I disparage my OWN experience level in my review.

By all means, tell me I'm full of **** for liking the open, won't bother me a bit and I'll probably agree with your poor assessment of my palate but don't accuse me of slamming on other people and insinuating they are in some way, shape or form an idiot. My opinion and respect level for the people around here couldn't be further away from that insinuation. If I'm guilty of anything (other than having a corrupted palate) it's for trying to "fit in" by trying to be a wiseass like the people around here who I have a healthy amount of respect for. I *thought* I had read enough and gotten the gist of how things were done around here enough to be able to let some of my own "wiseassery" out of the bag without offending people. Guess I need to read a bit more and wait a bit longer though.

-- Gary F.

[Colt45]

I did inadvertently fail to say thanks for the review - I look forward to the follow up(s).

[El Presidente]

No one is piling on you Gary nor an apology ever sought !LOL!

A forum is only as strong as its culture. Each member is responsible for maintenance of that culture. That is the sole point being made. Your review on the Monte Open was most appreciated. It challenged other thoughts. Great!

What irked slightly was the follow up tone to a repected member. Not intentional...no problem, but the comments that were passed re the post to yourself (by me) have been made by myself to other long term members who occasionally play the grey. They have a laugh and move on.

No biggie mate.

[brutusthebuckeye]

Nice Review Gary!!!!!!!! I have never smoked one.........

I think Gary thinks this is CA........most of those legends don't hang here!!!!

[thechenman]

God I love this place. garyf...nice review. I hope that you will post more in the future. The beauty of FOH as mentioned before is that there is no hazing of noobs, and that all opinions are respected even if there is an occassional ribbing...

[samb]

Gary, dont be acting thuggish now...

[rudechuck]

Hell, I like velveeta cheese and spam sandwiches too!

For the record, I have not tried any of the Montecristo Opens. However, I have been a SPAM® aficionado for nearly 40 years. The proper way to eat SPAM® is to marinate in a soy, sugar and mirin (rice wine) mixture, pan sear and press or roll with steamed rice and nori (seaweed) like sushi. This is called musubi.

Velveeta sandwiches INDEED!

(tongue planted firmly in cheek)

[crasmith]

Thanks for the review Gary. I have not tried one of these but it sounds like one that I might like to smoke when I don't have the time to really focus on the cigar itself. Thanks for the insight.