Montecristo 2 EML SEP 14 DRRW

[Wailbait]

What a neat review idea.  It’s somewhat akin to the “try this milk - I think it’s sour” thing.  But ultimately I think everyone has a stick (or box) in their collection that we feel this way about.  
 

Here’s the backstory for me.  When I first started with Cuban Cigars, EVERYONE told me how great the Monte 2 was.  That it was one of the greats.  For whatever reason, they didn’t do it for me.  Everyone told me, “Dude - a great one will blow your mind!”  I even bought a couple of boxes.  I got some from friends.  I traded for a few.  I basically swore them off.  Never felt the magic.  One day I said to myself, “Self, let’s stack the deck.  I will look for one that is graded PSP.  I will look for one from 2013-2014.  (My favorite years).  I will look for one made at La Corona.  (My favorite factory during the 2013-14 period).  If that doesn’t work,  THEN I AM DONE.  
 

I got this box about a year ago.  I hd a couple of good ones.  I had a couple of bad ones.  But mostly it has languished.  It’s true that age helps many cigars.  But it’s also true that you can’t make vinegar into wine.  

 

It sure is pretty.  They are all gorgeous.  Beautiful sheen.  Great weight.  Prelight aroma is very dull, but the good cigars I have had often have very muted prelight aroma.  
First half.

Boring.  It’s not even that it’s bad.  It’s just uneventful.  There is some obligatory cocoa note.  Smoke production and draw are excellent.  I keep commenting on how well it’s constructed.  But the flavors are not complex.  

Second Half 

Flavors get better but somehow construction is worse.  It keeps going out. I’m trying to take it slow, but it goes out more than I would like.  That said, some nice fruit and spice comes through.  A bit of toffee/caramel.  I don’t dislike it.  
 

While some of my friends find themselves home during this time, I am definitely working more.  Coupled with the fact that I never smoke alone - only with friends (either in person or, now, on Zoom) and it means that I’m at one cigar a week If I’m lucky.  I’m pleased to try this box again as it has stared at me for so long.  I’m still chasing that great Monte 2 that everyone talks about!!!

 

[StogieSteve23]

Nice, honest review! 

[Goodfortune]

31 minutes ago, Wailbait said:

I’m still chasing that great Monte 2 that everyone talks about!!!

 

Enjoyed the write up. I’m in the same boat! 

[Smalls]

Nicely done.  I have a PSP box from November 2013.   I had a very similar viewpoint of them the last time I smoked one which has been awhile now.  Your review made me set one aside to try in the next couple days.   Hopefully they have progressed a fair bit.  

[teamrandr]

Well done I have become increasingly fond of the Monte 2.  

[Wailbait]

16 hours ago, Smalls said:

Nicely done.  I have a PSP box from November 2013.   I had a very similar viewpoint of them the last time I smoked one which has been awhile now.  Your review made me set one aside to try in the next couple days.   Hopefully they have progressed a fair bit.  

I think the best Monte 2 I have had was an AME 13.  Maybe your box has turned the corner to Flavortown!