Cigar review Montecristo No.4

[gigabyte056]

This is the tenth cigar I am smoking from this box.

Temperature is 26c and 75%

Paired with Glenlivet 18 single malt.

Construction is very good, no soft spots , firm to the touch with no visible veins and a good shine to the wrapper.

Cold draw is cedar and wood.

First 1/3

cigar begins with spice, cocoa and some cedar, slight notes of cream and coconut.

draw is very good, lot's of smoke.

burn is even.

Ash is a beautiful black and white pepper and holds firm.

Medium body

Second 1/3

Cedar gone, stronger tastes of coffee ,cream and coconut.

Still medium body but spice is gone.

Final 1/3

Cigar turned bitter, burn became uneven.

Couldn't pull any tastes since the bitterness was quite harsh.

Finally gave up since the burn and the taste were annoying.

First two thirds I had this cigar at around 90, final third took from the experience so the cigar is rated at 86.

Hope you enjoy this review.

[ramon_cojones]

What is the cause of bitterness that develops in some cigars? Seems a mystery on a cigar with some age unless it happens to be in sick phase (I imagine?).

Nice review, this was the first habano I smoked that sparked my interest.

[riazp]

Nice review, i've had burn issues with my no.4's from 09...I guess when its the most produced cigar coming out of cuba there will be duds.

[bassman]

Just finished an 08 box & every stick was superb- and that rarely happens. MC#4 is massively produced. Variations in quality will happen. Sorry you got a bad one. I've had some myself over the years.

[Lotusguy]

I just have one left from my 2008 box (need to check the factory code and exact date when I am home) and they have all been outstanding.

Sorry to hear that the final third was a let-down. What I have found in some cases was that the bitterness came from tar buildup which I was able to resolve by re-clipping the stick. Maybe you can give that a try next time?