Montecristo #4

[reg]

10 count box from March 2009. Will try to remember to update with the factory code for anyone interested. Tried one a couple weeks ago but I didn't give them proper time to rest since shipment from czar. It was very lackluster at the time. Very boring cigar.

Today was supposed to be in the mid 40s F so I decided to give it another try as it has been almost a month since receiving. Turns out it is more like mid 30s here in beautiful New Jersey, but decided to give it a shot anyway.

The box is nice. All the cigars are very uniform and look good. Construction on this one was perfect as far as I could tell. Pre-light it felt a bit tight. Aroma was tobacco with some sweetness blended in, as well as a strong wood/cedar aspect.

Lit it up and immediately this was a completely different cigar from the first one I tried. Terrific roasted tobacco and even some signs of cocoa. Unfortunately, after the first few takes these profiles disappeared. From that point on, all that was left was a very boring tobacco flavor, a step or two up from smoking a giant cigarette. Many times I was ready to call it quits and go back inside, but I would get one nice draw like the opening and it would trick me into staying. After the very beginning it was consistently mundane.

I had some lighting issues and started uneven, but the cigar did a nice job of evening itself out, before it inevitably became uneven again. It went out once getting close to the midpoint. I threw a white flag up before getting to the end.

Although it wasn't a very good experience, I can see why this is a popular cigar. If I was a cigarette smoker, I would probably love this even at its young age. It definitely is an easy smoke. As a disclaimer, this is a very young cigar like I said, MAR 09. It is also just barely a month since its been resting in my humidor, although I don't think another week or two would be much of a difference. I am also an inexperienced smoke for what it is worth.

My conclusion is that I probably won't touch this box for at least a year, probably 18+ months. There were hints of greatness in there, and time is the only way that they might come out, at least for this batch I have. I hope some age will be the trick. Until then, I'll probably try one of the PSD4s I bought in the same order and see how those are. I believe they are a bit older and should be more complex I hope.

[thechenman]

Nice review Reg. Sorry to hear the experience was a disappointment. I would say in my experience the Monte 4 for me is more characteristic of your initial experience. It is essentially a staple for me. I don't think it unwise to give it some more time in the humidor.

Also just a side note. There is not need to cut your cigar that far down. Just snipping of the top of the cap is usually enough for me. Cut further if there is a draw issue. Sometimes when you gut it to far down the cigar begins to unravel. Does not look like it happened here, but why risk ruining a good smoke.

Let us know how the PSD4 smokes, but let them rest the 30 days first.

[reg]

The first cut was a mess, I need a new cutter. Unfortunately had to go further down to fix it. I really hope it gets better, because I know it can be great

[thechenman]

The more you smoke the better your cuts will get. Try a Palio or Xikar Xi3. Both work quite well.

[stargazer14]

A good cutter is important and worth the investment for your valuable collection.

Monti 4's are a go-to stick, but for me is the one cigar that shows inconsistency.

Probably because they make so many!

[Cambridge1]

I also had a similar experience with Monte 4's. I waited until they were 12 months old and smoked a couple; they just weren't my cup of tea. So I started giving them to friends and vendors. But, the other night I grabbed a few for some freezing cold outdoor (Boston) smoking and damn they were amazingly good, loads of coffee and cream.

I think in my case, it was either inconsistency in the box or they just needed more time. I’m not sure I would buy another box of Monte 4’s, maybe an HQ box from Lisa.

[El Presidente]

I also had a similar experience with Monte 4's. I waited until they were 12 months old and smoked a couple; they just weren't my cup of tea. So I started giving them to friends and vendors. But, the other night I grabbed a few for some freezing cold outdoor (Boston) smoking and damn they were amazingly good, loads of coffee and cream.

I think in my case, it was either inconsistency in the box or they just needed more time. I’m not sure I would buy another box of Monte 4’s, maybe an HQ box from Lisa.

They certainly are inconsistent. Can be brilliant or boring and both from the same box. Dry box the next 12-24 hrs.

[Bartolomeo]

Great review and pics!

I had very blah experiences with these, wish they worked out b/c of the price point, will revisit in 6 months

Bart

[mbrody]

Reg, Definately lock them up and throw the key away for some months. A box I am working through really started surprising me after turning 18 months and now closer to 2 years of age.

Now I don't want to finish them....Pure Chocolate Cream and Milk Coffee. I'd easily give up a few "bad" sticks in the box if I could replicate the flavor. Abosolutely fantastic when on! Good Luck...

[rudechuck]

I've had 3 out of MAR 08 box. The first was like Xmas! Nutmeg and cinnamon with some vanilla and coffee. The next two, not so much. Still better than OK, coffee and cream with some light spice.

[Kangaroo495]

I smoked a Monte 4 Reserva the other night. It was a satifying experience. Similar flavour profile to the Monte 4 with cream and cocoa, but with an added twang which kinda reminded me of marascino cherries. Though enjoyable, I would say that the cigar overall was fairly meidcre, with most of these flavours being quite muted.

I'd say they're definitely worth a try none the less.