Montecristo No 2 MSU JUL 19 (VVRW#2)

[Shatner's Bassoon]

I first became aware of the delights of a Cuban cigar a few years ago when I was given five or six Monte 2s, so they have a special place in my cigar smoking heart, although recently I must say I've preferred the #1. The first couple from this box were slightly muted; fortunately that was less so with this one.

It opens with the coffee, cream, and dark chocolate. Just what I'm looking for in a Montecristo, although I would have appreciated some citrus twang, which this one didn't provide. Body is at medium full, construction and burn are good, and it's a decent start.

The body drops to medium in the second third; the same core flavours are there, although the chocolate notes are more like milk chocolate now. 

In the final third the body ramps up again; it's medium full now, and an earthy flavour joins the coffee and chocolate, with the cream taking a back seat.

Overall this is an improvement on the previous two. It's an enjoyable smoke, but still has a way to go in my opinion. One to come back to in six months. For now, I'll give it a 90.