Montecristo #2 Unknown Code Review: Gnarly Cigar Review Competition

[archosaur]

I think I received this cigar in late 2013.

I had a small issue come up with a vendor that I used to deal with, and he offered a store credit.  Alternatively, I suggested that he just throw something extra in to the order I was about to place.  It was a minor issue, and so I felt it was an opportunity for that vendor to make things right, earn my trust and future business.  He sent this:

Montecristo #2, a Cuban classic!  Hooray!...Except that it has a lifeless wrapper with giant green water spots, it feels extremely light in the hand, and has all sorts of nicks, cracks, dents and tears.  He obviously grabbed something out of a seconds (or thirds?) bin to placate me...I wrote the vendor off and threw this misfit into the singles tray.  OK, so maybe it is not the worst looking cigar I've ever seen...but it's the worst one in my humidor and I have been passing it over for years.  Let's sacrifice it for a shot at some aged cigars!

 

1/3:  Guillotine cut reveals a loose draw, as expected.  Cold draw is typical Cuban tobacco.  The opening starts off unremarkable, tobacco and a touch of pepper and wood.  The flavors jump around a little, but eventually the cigars settles into a nutty profile with hint of cocoa.  Honestly, this cigar is not bad.

2/3:  To be fair, despite the loose draw the construction is OK and no relights or excessive management is necessary.  The cigar is smooth, showing a little age, and maintains an overall nutty profile with touches of cocoa, coffee, and cedar.  Almost prototypically Cuban to me.  I am watching an episode of Marco Polo on Netflix with a rum & coke.  Life is good!

3/3:  This is where I hit the worst of the wrapper damage, and to be fair no major issues crop up.  The cigar maintains its relatively linear profile, and I let it expire at the first hint of dirtiness, just below the band.  Roughly 70 minutes.

 

Obviously, I have to deduct a couple points for appearance, but this ugly duckling performed the task at hand admirably.  I'll go 86.  I'm still not ordering cigars from that guy again.

 

[ethosan]

When I saw the pic i was not expecting the pleasant experience it sounds like it gave you.It's good too know there is still hope. I have a few that look very similar.(not monte's, but hoyo's)