Corona: When is the last time you smoked a Monte 3?

[El Presidente]

We disparage HSA (rightfully so in some cases) but I wonder when is the last time you have had a Montecrsito Number 3?

If you are like me it is a cigar not often on the radar as when looking for a corona I will gravitate toward others (not that there is much choice currently). I have been enjoying the richness of R&J Corona's lately after years of being personally shunned due to some lacklustre experiences. Recent examples have shown promise of R&J Corona "Rising".

Yesterday I was in the state of mind I needed a Corona and headed for a SLR but saw a Monte 3 with an average blemished wrapper and a cracked foot. I really had to force myself to pck it up. Yes...there are tougher jobs

I wasn't expecting much. I didn't get much either. Lacking the richness of recent 4's, the class of the 1's I had to wonder how much "soul" went into it's production.

It was "nice". A sliver of a shade above OK. Maybe I am dulled by exposure to some excellent cigars but I get let down by "OK". A cigar does not have to be great but it needs to show me some character and this little "3" with its insipid wrapper and bla blend squeaked its way through a performance as spirited as my kids mowing the lawn.

I see far too many Monte 3 like this. I also see the occasional box of gorgeous Monte 3 with a stunning aroma that have the cocoa and cream of the "4"" with the citrus notes of the "1"

A little more loving for the "3" at production would go a long way.

Your experiences?

[laficion]

I must admit I haven't had one in years, even from the 06 or 08 productions.

I can live without the monty 3, maybe I should pick up one for a change , just to see

but nobody is pushing behind

[jawofboston]

We disparage HSA (rightfully so in some cases) but I wonder when is the last time you have had a Montecrsito Number 3?

If you are like me it is a cigar not often on the radar as when looking for a corona I will gravitate toward others (not that there is much choice currently). I have been enjoying the richness of R&J Corona's lately after years of being personally shunned due to some lacklustre experiences. Recent examples have shown promise of R&J Corona "Rising".

Yesterday I was in the state of mind I needed a Corona and headed for a SLR but saw a Monte 3 with an average blemished wrapper and a cracked foot. I really had to force myself to pck it up. Yes...there are tougher jobs

I wasn't expecting much. I didn't get much either. Lacking the richness of recent 4's, the class of the 1's I had to wonder how much "soul" went into it's production.

It was "nice". A sliver of a shade above OK. Maybe I am dulled by exposure to some excellent cigars but I get let down by "OK". A cigar does not have to be great but it needs to show me some character and this little "3" with its insipid wrapper and bla blend squeaked its way through a performance as spirited as my kids mowing the lawn.

I see far too many Monte 3 like this. I also see the occasional box of gorgeous Monte 3 with a stunning aroma that have the cocoa and cream of the "4"" with the citrus notes of the "1"

A little more loving for the "3" at production would go a long way.

Your experiences?

Had one Saturday from an HQ box you picked out for me about 6 months ago. Creamy, sweet coffee flavors, actually a bit like the Monte 2 but not as robust or rich. My biggest issue with these is a pretty consistently tight draw.

[mkz]

Last time? Last summer I smoked a 3-pack.

Experiences? Delicious cocoa and cream, but as mentioned by LeighFermor, tight draw.

[rfenst]

With all the complaints of wild inconsistencies with #4, I have wondered why people don't give #3 a shot. I love #1. Close to a classic IMO.

[partagasd4]

I was given a 3-pack by a friend last Christmas. I smoked them all in January. They were the first Montes I tried and got me hooked on the brand.

[micahzeff]

I actually had one yesterday from an HQ box. It was pure creamy cafe au lait, with a perfect draw. Having a trusted vendor hand pick a top notch box makes such a difference. I was thinking I need to send Lisa a note to be on the lookout for a couple of HQ boxes to go in my locker.

[mm12]

I've only ever bought 1 box of Monte 3s, and it was pretty bad. They had a really light greenish/brown wrapper that was super thin/dry/delicate. I could taste a good bit of typical Montecristo flavors, cream/chocolate/nuts, but they also had this awful overriding bitterness to them. The box sat pretty much untouched in my cabinet for years, and I just recently threw it out to make room (I'd feel bad even giving them away).

[Bartolomeo]

Last Monte #3 I had were from 01, 07 and 03. All three samples were below par for me IMHO.

Bart

[adic88]

I don't think i've ever had a Monte 3, lulz.

Can't really say what they are like at all. Hearing all the negative comments just makes me want to spend my money elsewhere.

[ksblazer]

While I like the Corona I have never smoked a Monte No.3

Never heard much about them when the "Whats your favorite corona" question comes up. So I've always overlooked them, I guess.

[shrink]

Well, back around 2004 I picked up a couple of dress boxes of 1998 Monte No. 3 from a respected Swiss vendor, and I still have most of one box left. It's a special occasion cigar for me; frankly, I prefer my stock of No. 1's.

But these cigars remain surprisingly potent, with lots of body and strong, "old school" flavors. By the time I finish one, I'm satisfied. I don't know if these are representative of the Monte #3 blend of that era, but that don't make 'em like that anymore.

[bassman]

I enjoy the #3. Requested a HQ box from Lisa about a year ago & have yet to hear anything.

[thechenman]

Haven't smoked a Monte 3 in ages, but don't recall ever being impressed. I suffer from the same malady as many in regards to the Monte 3. While I love coronas, while there remain only a few, they seem to pretty much all deliver more than the Monte 3.

[gdmw]

prefer #5, #4 and #1 over the #3, altough Im a sucker for coronas. have had a few #3, non worth mentiond.. HSA needs to tune the #3 if you ask me.

[habanohal]

Yesturday I had one. Only have 1 box from 98 left of them

[El Presidente]

I enjoy the #3. Requested a HQ box from Lisa about a year ago & have yet to hear anything.

I am onto it bassman. I can't remember the last time I had the opportunity to rake Lisa over the coals. Thankyou

[bassman]

I am onto it bassman. I can't remember the last time I had the opportunity to rake Lisa over the coals. Thankyou

Thank you, Prez. Thought I was done buying for the year, but will make an exception for HQ or PSP MC#3s.

[jacksfull]

Much the same as others. I have a box of MC#3's from BLP NOV 07 that have so far proven to be a bit lackluster. In the meantime I've tended to gravitate to the #4 or Esp#2 instead.

[CanuckSARTech]

I picked up a couple 5-packs, at $30 CUC's a pack and with a 2007 date, from my last trip to Cuba in April 2008. I have two left.

I enjoy them a bit, as they do have that Monte flavour for me, but not as refined or apt to be "on" as a Monte 4, IMO. Also, for the Monte 4 in comparison, I find that I then get a slightly cheaper cigar with more overall flavour and enjoyment, compared to a 3.

[sg1234]

I've had two Monte 3's recently: one from an older box (05 or 06 I believe) and one from an 09 box. I enjoyed both of them thoroughly. Needless to say the aged specimen was better, but I am happy to have a box in the humi. Both times I got classic Monte coffee and chocolate flavors. I could have been lucky though.

[PigFish]

Rob I smoke the Monte 3 all the time, but you might have guessed that. My problem is not really with the Monte 3 as a coronas, my problem is that the entire Monte line, even the 3 is overproduced and typically exemplifies a lesser product when ranked amongst all coronas. Frankly the D-3, the Punch Coronas, the Partagas Coronas, the list goes on, are all typically better coronas. When you get a nice bunch of M-3's they can be great cigars. With the Diplo 3 being far less produced, I find that cigar to cigar they are a better choice. JMHO

-Piggy

[ChanceSchmerr]

I love coronas, but to be frankly honest I have never tried the Monte 3. I think it's because they are so over-produced IMO, i don't want to go for a potentially blah cigar when I can stress myself out endlessly searching for Diplo 3s, Partagas Coronas and HDM du Rois (all of which I KNOW i adore!) because I know the chances of having a smoke I really enjoy is so much higher with those!

Now, reading back over that, I sound like kind of an idiot....so maybe I should give up and try a monte 3. When I see the right one, I will try it! Until then, the dearly departed Diplo 3s will have to do

[ashen]

I had one in HK, 2009. I didn't notice the box code or year because I was too busy oogling the woman selling the product. Construction was good, but it had a bit of a tight draw. Creamy, with a little cocoa. It was very consistent. I've been trying to find a Monte like that (minus the tougher draw) for a while now, without much success.