Monte "A"

[Duffer]

I received a single LONG wooden box from 2002 with a Montecristo A inside. It is a gift from my brother-in-law. I did a quick forum search to find opinions/reviews on this cigar of which I have very limited knowledge. The search results were a whole bunch of Montecristo topics, but after poring through about 20 links, I still haven't found anything on this cigar.

So, with the risk of sounding stupid, can any of the FOH experts help me out? Being 14 years old, is it past it's prime? Or should I hold onto it for a few more years? Most importantly, is it a good cigar or a novelty in a beautiful box?

Much obliged for any assistance you guys/gals can offer. JB

[Smallclub]

The Monte A is a great cigar, but certainly not a cigar for everyone. It's a 2h30 experience starting very mild and building slowly.

If your standard is minutos/pc, you probably won't smoke it to the end.

If you like complexity and evolution you will love it.

I would smoke it at the first appropriate opportunity; 14 years is already a lot to my taste. Enjoy!

[HarveyBoulevard]

Most likely not past its prime. Had a 17 yr old Monte A a few weeks ago. Fantastic. Not a gimmick like a Drew Estate 'A'.

Its a great cigar. Wonderful gift!!!

Enjoy

Jeff

[stogieluver]

There are no stupid questions on FOH. I can't tell you much about this cigar, but the age and whether it's past it's prime has all to do with the storage conditions it has been subjected to during it's lifetime. If those conditions were proper, and all else about the cigar is kosher, then it could be a very good smoke. Don't save it. Smoke that mutha. Life is short.

[DoubleDD]

I have a box of 25 from 2001. These cigars are very flavorful. You must take your time with these. Be prepared for a 3 hour smoke. Classic Monte flavors are present, with pronounced cedar. Look for chocolate, milk coffee, hints of vanilla and some toasted tobacco sweetness as well. A smooth cigar. Not overly powerful. Don't overheat this cigar. My 2001s are great now but I have more than enough to age. It's your call since you only have one.

[Elvis]

What a fantastic problem to have! ;-)

I think it's certainly worth scheduling a three hour event around it.

Enjoy!

[zeedubbya]

After demanding this review for the last three years we have finally done it. Now with a cigar of this length you would think they would have done all three sections but no.

http://youtu.be/XEWUyzTjWgg

Watch this.

[David88]

I saw a few boxes of these when I was last in Bangkok. At the time I thought it was just too long a smoke for this so passed it up. I wish I had picked up one now and kept it in the humi for a nice sunny afternoon. Make sure you let us know what it's like!

[Ken Gargett]

The Monte A is a great cigar, but certainly not a cigar for everyone. It's a 2h30 experience starting very mild and building slowly.

If your standard is minutos/pc, you probably won't smoke it to the end.

If you like complexity and evolution you will love it.

I would smoke it at the first appropriate opportunity; 14 years is already a lot to my taste. Enjoy!

completely agree with this.

i used to smoke one or two a year, normally on a fishing holiday when we had settled down for the afternoon. loved them. and i agree that 14 years should be spot on - mind you, might depend on how it has been stored.

[Fuzz]

Haven't smoked a Monte A in years. The last time I had one, I remember it took me 3 hrs to smoke. A fantastic cigar that deserves to be smoked slowly, to enjoy every nuance.

[oliverdst]

I hope it's not plugged.

[planetary]

I hope it's not plugged.

[Ralphanator]

There are no stupid questions on FOH. I can't tell you much about this cigar, but the age and whether it's past it's prime has all to do with the storage conditions it has been subjected to during it's lifetime. If those conditions were proper, and all else about the cigar is kosher, then it could be a very good smoke. Don't save it. Smoke that mutha. Life is short.

Good advice given here!

[oliverdst]

image.jpeg

lol

I do hope not. It was my 2 cent on the matter as Monte A sometimes are plugged.

I was writing using my phone, few words.

Duffer, let us know it smoked.

I am sure it will be great.

[PigFish]

Do you have a means to store it correctly? If not, find the time and smoke it. If I were to make an assumption, it would be that the owner of this cigar, not a typical item, knows more about cigars than many. I could be wrong of course, but this is not the same as being given a cigar from the local shop's shelves, one that was rolled two months ago!

Gift cigars are a wonderful thing, don't let it get moldy, or used as a dog toy!!! Honor your generous benefactor and smoke it... If it is lousy, you might have to fib about it a little, but at least it won't be your fault! He won't be saying, "I gave that guy this great cigar, and he talked about it, but never smoked it..."

"Living" a cigar experience is better than reading about it, is it not? My 2 cts.

Cheers, and welcome to the forum.

-Piggy

[Duffer]

Thanks for all the suggestions and opinions. It appears I was given something that I will enjoy.

Having had to quit cigars for almost a decade, I don't have a place to store the cigar properly. Yet. I have a nice cabinet humidor from back when that I am still working on re-seasoning. It should be another 5-6 days until I'm comfortable storing nice sticks on my own, so I left the gift at my brother-in-law's humidor until mine is ready.

I turn 50 in a few months, seems like the perfect day to spend 3 hours and enjoy it.

Thanks again. Cheers

[Habana Mike]

Perfect cigar for your 50th, enjoy!

I've had a box of 25 for a while and with the exception of trading a couple off have only smoked them following dinner on New Year's Eve. I find they last the perfect time between the meal and midnight and I compare each to those from years before in typically similar circumstances.

[JackFNQ]

Great gift. I received one in a seconds lucky dip box of 25.

Maybe have some sugar for under the tongue if the nicotine gets to you early, ie feel sick, if you don't smoke very often.

[RijkdeGooier]

I smoke these every year at new years eve.

One of the best cigars made.

[joshua84]

Only way to describe it. F**king awesome.

[davidsan]

I have a single Monte A that I have been storing for the last 3 years, I'm saving it for when I turn 30 next year in January. I've been looking forward to it for so long as I enjoy a long smoke time.

[Notsocleaver]

Are Monte A's even in production anymore? I haven't seen them available for sale in ages. When was the most recent production run? 2010?

[Danimalia]

Are there any other A sized Habanos in production aside from the Monte? Didn't Sancho Panza make one?

 

I'd definitely like to try one someday.

[Bohn007]

45 minutes ago, Notsocleaver said:

Are Monte A's even in production anymore? I haven't seen them available for sale in ages. When was the most recent production run? 2010?

I have seen them still in stock at some LCDH stores but pretty rare as the longer cigars are somewhat going out of fashion. Cigars that can be smoked in 45-75 minutes seem to be more the trend unfortunately. 

[El Presidente]

5 hours ago, Notsocleaver said:

Are Monte A's even in production anymore? I haven't seen them available for sale in ages. When was the most recent production run? 2010?

Had some from 2012. 

I haven't seen them available for near on three years now (25's). Coffins from 2013. 

The biggest problem I have with them is damage to the foot of the cigars. Problematic.