Montecristo Especial No. 1 : Unknown Box Code : Monte Review Comp 2016

[Danimalia]

This is my first experience with a #1, and it’s a cigar I’ve admired from afar for awhile now. I purchased it as a single in August, 2016, so I don’t know the box code.

 

Initial thoughts/pre-light: The cigar has a very smooth, wrapper with a slight box press. It has a light sheen. I’m not sure of it’s age, but it doesn’t “seem” like it’s particularly old to me.. I love Lonsdales, because they feel elegant feel in the hand, and they’re easy to hold in the mouth as well if you’re doing something where you occasionally need both hands. Good construction on this cigar, no visible veins/seams to speak of. Perfect draw.

 

1st Third: Starts off a hair under medium to me, but solidly medium-bodied. Good smoke production. I’m getting cafe au lait, with beignets and powdered sugar. Very pleasant. Ash stays firm for a good 1.5” before falling off.

 

2nd Third: No evolution to speak of, but flavor strength picks up a tick. I’ve noticed a little brown sugar, and maybe a bit of fig as well. Bit players at most. This is a cafe, cream, and a little chocolate cigar for the most part.

 

Final Third: Flavor and body becoming full. I’m losing some of the sweetness, but the coffee still remains. Starts to pick up some savory nuttiness.

 

Final Smoking Time: 85 minutes.

 

Verdict: I liked it a lot. Not particularly complex, but it was very flavorful, and didn’t require much attention in terms of the burn or construction. It just comes across as a great, well-made cigar to me. Can’t ask for much else on a warm, fall night. I’d definitely like to have a box around.

Let’s call it a 90.

[Sean3]

Nice review, sounds a lot like the Montes I've been getting lately...No complexity, but plenty of tasty flavors.  Well done Danimalia.  Cheers.

[miurajus]

Thank so for the review bro!  Keep up the good work!!

[TheMonk]

Nice review, on an extremely nice cigar!