Montecristo #2

[bolivr]

This is not only my first Monte #2 but my first ever pyramid despite enjoying the hobby over the past 25 years and more seriously in the past 10.

My usual MO is to light up a PC or corona gorda, occasionally a robusto. I had looked upon the Monte 2 and its ilk as too fat and too expensive.

However…interesting how things change and as my collection grows it seemed to be missing something. RASS check, Boli PCs check, Coh Secretos check, Mag 46 check, LGC #1 check.

On with the search and a lot of FoH opinion seemed to be that the Monte 2 was the one to get from current production; indeed a classic in the making if left for some time to age properly. Discussion at the FoH turn in Melbourne also made an impression with the point that this type of cigar is beautifully shaped to be comfortable in the mouth while offering a large RG for lots of tobacco.

So I took the plunge with a handful of singles from the Czar, not sure of the box code and date. These have been selling well and so I would think they are quite young.

After a little rest at home here – not too long because 1, I couldn’t wait and 2, I find if cigars have not had to travel over the equator they do not need the full month’s rest – it was time to light one and get some impressions.

Cold aroma – distinctive malt. The type of sweet malted barley extract I had as a kid. Nature’s own pick me up it says on the tin, hey, just like a Monte 2! There was also that barnyard scent. I find this interesting and read a parallel in the world of food where the restaurant critic AA Gill described the quality as ‘bottom’ in its very English sense. It’s the funkiness of Thai fish sauce for instance, some of the earthiness of truffles and a good chef controls it to just provide a hint there as it is powerful and easily overdone. (Thanks to Ken for putting me on to AA Gill’s reviews a while back.)

I cut the cap and like the pyramid newb I am I cut a little too much off and the draw was a bit loose. Anyway, flavours came through all chocolate and dark tobacco, good enough to eat.

Smoking outside on the deck the flavours were light tobacco, quite mild through the nose and a faint maltiness, not sweet I guess but delicious overall. I also spent some time smoking inside the house and the flavour there was more leathery and I think I got freshly cooked waffle as well at one point. There is a real difference in the smoking of a cigar inside the house versus outside. Generally I find the outdoors flavours are lighter and crisper and inside the house the richness and creaminess comes to the fore. The burn needed a couple of touch ups here and there but no big deal.

The smoke volume was impressive and I also spotted some aroma that was the family resemblance to the Petit Edmundos I had some months back.

A great smoke, glad to take the plunge on getting these.

Mike

[dicko]

thanks for the review. glad you enjoyed!

[Erm310mce]

Great review! I also had an 09 Monte #2 from a HQ Czar box last night and it was glorious. It was the first I had from this box. Looking forward to the other 24.

[cigcars]

The first REAL Monte No. 2 I got (as I'd been bombarded by many questionables) nearly blew my socks off - with my feet still in 'em! It showed me what real, true Cuban tobacco could do for one's splendiferous high, and enjoyment. Of course, I've been graced with other authentic habanos, yet I will never forget my experience with the Monte Cristo No. 2 when truly introduced to that monumental smoke

[bassman]

These are cigars where it really pays to buy HQ/PSP. So many ordinary boxes made. The difference is night & day.

[Habanakane21]

Great review! Made me fetch one of these out of my cabinet and light it up!! always stellar .

[MIKA27]

Great review Mike.

I love Pyramide cigars, my favourite shape and ring guage in a cigar.

[Disburden]

Good review, I have been curious about these too since I haven't had any Montes yet! The no.4 is more my vitola but I have heard they're very crappy most of the time.

[hakamo0o]

Very good review, I also have a stick covered in bloom right now

Maybe I'll use it soon

[lemmycaution]

Thanks for the review. The Monte #2 was the first cuban cigar I smoked and it was an eye opening experience. The weird thing is that I rarely buy or smoke them these days. So many cigars, so little time and money.

[Ellery]

Ive got a box of these, smoked 5 in the last 2 yrs, and it really hasn't done anything for me. Maybe with more time....hopefully

[joshsmith1]

I've had a similarly great experience. The first third was abundant with smooth nutty notes, I was excited about the absence of any unpleasant bite or spice. All in all well constructed with an even draw and burn. The charcoal gray ash held on strong even after a good inch and a half before I mistakenly attempted to preemptively roll it in the tray. Moving into the second third it enjoyably began to build in flavor. Those same nutty notes became stronger and sweeter with an extremely pleasant earthy tone forming on the back pallet and a rich cedar aftertaste. The draw remaining consistent with no plugs or touch-ups I was looking forward to smoking this bad boy down to the nub. The last third continues with the rich experience as the first and second third with a well placed spice without a bitter bite. Very enjoyable stick without any relights or malfunctions.

Looking forward to the rest in my humidor, perhaps with a little more age I'll find something new to rave about.

[#2 man]

I enjoyed your review and fantastic pictures

[docbp87]

Yep. Reviews like this make cigars like this verrry tempting. Thanks for sharing your great experience with us.

[Dbone]

Thank you, Mike. The high quality of your review matches that of the cigar. The king has his thrown back, for the time being. Get them while you can!

[bassman]

Thank you, Mike. The high quality of your review matches that of the cigar. The king has his thrown back, for the time being. Get them while you can!

One of Cuba's best when on. By the way, it's throne.

[Dbone]

By the way, it's throne.

Omg - yes LOL

[Plato]

Smoking one now. Stayin' classy.

[kiwirwe]

Thanks for the review. i hear so much about them from everbody, so i have a 10 box coming from lisa cant wait to try :-)

[LLC]

Great review for a great cigar. I always have these in my rotation and still have some from feb 2008 to enjoy wihile my march 2010 box rests for a good while longer.

[Vortigan]

Great review,thank you.My first Monte #2 remains my best ever smoking experience.I bought it as a single when I was first starting out and basically trying everything out there.I could only describe the flavours as those of the finest ice cream,lots of chocolate and vanilla.When I wasn't drawing on it I just couldn't take it away from my nose in order to savour the aromas coming from it,I wanted to eat it!!

[aavkk]

I have to admit that I have never purchased any of these. With so much talk of massive variation in quality I always go for something else. Its a box that I would love to have one of but as mentioned above too many good cigars to be had and not enough money. Same with the Monte 4. I've had a couple of very good singles but never a box purchase.

[Lastroll]

Great review and I second it!

[darinjanssen]

Great post! I just had my first Monte #2 this week as well! They are a great smoke, and I will make sure to always have some in my humidor!

[DblToro]

Make me want to get a 10 box myself now. Very classy review.