Montecristo No. 4, Oct. 2009 "RAS" box code - final score, 94

[CanuckSARTech]

So, I’ve got another review here. This has actually been a fair bit delayed - I smoked this cigar on Thursday, October 14th. And, mbrody and others had asked me to review these PSP Monte 4 releases (and also with the interest in the Monte 2's recently), so I'm sorry for the delays fellas.

Reviewed Cigar: Montecristo No. 4

Box Date: Oct. 2009

Factory/Manufacture Code: RAS

Packaging: 25-box (Czar's PSP box)

Price: Never talk money...

Length: 5 1/8", or 129 mm

Ring Gauge: 42

Format: Mareva

Weight: Don't you know it isn't polite to ask a fella this??

Construction/Appearance & Pre-Light: Just stunning. Depending on who you ask, a good oily cigar has a "mottled" or "marbled" appearance - there's this beautiful darker and lighter blending of colour to the wrapper. It's a classic tell-tale sign of a cigar that has loads of potential - something that has a definite amount of oils in the wrapper leaf, and has a debateably higher probability of doing better things over time with aging (yes, I know this isn't everything - it also depends on filler, etc.). Well - this cigar had it all going for it on the visuals and the pre-light. Marbled, oily, sleek, smooth, flawless. The pre-light smells were heavily laden with rich toasted tobacco, loads of character, and with a heavy dose of delicious brown sugar on the nose.

Opening Impressions: After a lighting up and initial draws, I was blown away. Forgot to take extensive notes.

First Third: Amazing.

Second Third: Beautiful.

Final Third: Delicious finish.

Finishing Comments / Overall Impression: Well, I know I didn't give much of a breakdown of the individual thirds, but this cigar just seemed to draw me in to it. This cigar was medium to medium-full (yes, a slight tinge stronger than Monte 4's have traditionally been maybe), but it's just perfect for this format. It was loaded with lots of flavour - coffee with light cream, leather, some smoked wood (charred cedar?), and a lovely brown sugar/molasses background, but without the overpowering sweetness that can unfortunately accompany those tastes. The overall experience was mesmerizing - this cigar just absolutely had....CHARACTER. This is from my first overall purchase from Czar's (a few HQ and PSP boxes) from earlier in August. I let these rest in my cabinet for just over a month before touching them. I'm sorry that my pictures absolutely don't do these sticks justice - I really have to get the macro settings figured out on my wife's digital camera. I'm sure you can find a better picture of these that Smithy took from the LFTH thread that they were listed on from August 13th or thereabouts.

But, this was ABSOLUTELY worth it. I'm a convert now. I have never had a Monte 4 this good - ever - not even from really searching and taking my pick of the litter from the available stock that I could find at LCDH stores either here locally to me in Canada, or even those right in Cuba. This cigar was just amazing. These will be absolutely steller when aged! I'm easily giving it a 94, and since I started my Cigar Dossier and keeping scores a few years ago, I've only ever given a few other cigars a 94 before (some CoRo's from May '08, and just again last night to a Cuaba Piramides EL 2008). I'm absolutely impressed that a standard-production and high-production cigar like a Monte 4, with only a year on it, is smoking this well. This experience just absolutely blew my socks off. I've been hard pressed to find a cigar that satisfied so well, costing 2, 3, 4 times as much, but not delivering as well as this did and at this price point. The tobacco quality and the attention paid to the blend in this run is just amazing. I am SO HOPEFUL that these can maybe hit 96 or 97 for me with another two to three years of age on them to really allow them to marry together. I'm just enthralled with the prospect of this - and for something that's about $7 a stick!!!

I'm trying not to rant, and sound too much like a "fanboy", but this PSP/HQ program has just absolutely won me over with these (as well as the other recent grabs I've made from Czar's). I don't know if it's access to better stock, and/or a combination with some keen eyes thoroughly inspecting the product to ensure the finest stock available, but however it's done...it WORKS!!!!!

I have a standing order with Lisa and Rob to find me more of these Oct. 2009 "RAS" boxes in PSP (back off boys!!!! ) - so, once I'm able to have my fill :tongue: , I definitely encourage any and all of you to grab up some of these. At the price point that Czar's is offering them for, if you're on the fence about the PSP/HQ program, I can think of no better cigar to do so with.

Final Score: 94

Total Smoking Time: 1 hour

Paired Beverage: Coke

Thanks for reading my review. Hope you enjoyed it.

Cheers.

[mbrody]

Great review and pics Keith! I must try and secure a box!

[Dbone]

Real nice review, Keith. I'm a big PC fan but can honestly say I've not had the monti 4. Never really been a fan of the marc, although i may give this guy a chance. Sweet leather / wood smoke sounds like a real treat, PSP also!

Thanks for the review again, keep them coming.

[laficion]

Great review Keith, thanks for sharing your experience .

Don't forget to update that Cigar Dossier

[coneatty]

Monte #4 was my first cc a long time ago. It pretty much changed everything. Stellar review. I want that box!

[CanuckSARTech]

Great review and pics Keith! I must try and secure a box!

Thanks. Wish the pics were better, but that first one at least illustrates the colour and marbling of the wrapper. But, get in line to get a box!!!

Thanks for the review again, keep them coming.

Thank you, will do.

Great review Keith, thanks for sharing your experience .

Don't forget to update that Cigar Dossier

Already in there. I had that done that evening, just didn't have time to put it on here yet.

Monte #4 was my first cc a long time ago. It pretty much changed everything. Stellar review. I want that box!

Phenomenal box code, it seems, depending on Czar availability. Very happy.