Montecristo A

[carnivalhobo]

So I did try searching, however "Montecristo A" isnt a very helpful search term, so I only came up with a few actual reviews. Wanted to see what people thought of these. Are they just a novelty that is a pretty decent smoke, or are they really worth considering. I've seen some vintage boxes on the usual auction sites going for big money, so are these best with a bunch of time on them? Anyone smoked fresh ones? How's recent production, etc. Thanks for any help!

[Fuzz]

I've only had 2 of these (at the time I couldn't afford more), one was ROTT, the other was sitting in the humidor for 3 months. Both were fantastic. Starts mild/medium and finshes full bodied. Lovely bitter cocoa flavour throughout that builds towards the end. Definitely needs a good 3 hours to enjoy slowly.

[Bahnofstrasse]

Bought a Box of 25 with a 2001 Box Code years ago. I brake them out maybe once or twice a year for a smoke with a good friend when you can take the time that this marca warrants.

As the previous reply states, it starts out rather mild, but builds throughout the various stages, while finishing full bodied. Not much depth of flavor to start, but it evolves into a wonderful nutty, cocoa, flavorful smoke as you draw down on this lengthy vitola.

The last one that I smoked was at the end of Summer Labor Day here in the States. It was a 2 1/2 hour gem that left both my friend and I commenting on what a fabulous smoke this was. Yes they are pricey, but IMO well worth having a few in ones diverse portfolio of cigars.

[Plato]

A great smoke.

A older and wiser cigar smoker once told me before we lit up that the Montecristo A "smokes in three distinctly different acts. Like a play." I always loved that analogy.

I'd love to see a Czar review...What do you say Rob?

[winelover]

I've smoked one Monte A and agree with the above posters. It is a smoke that every habanos smoker should try at least once.

Would love to see a back-to-back comparison with the Sancho Panza Sanchos. That would be literally a whole afternoon's smoking for the Czar crew but they need to review these as especially the Monte's are accessible in the 5ct and many would like to learn more. Come on Rob!

[CBL]

It's a nice smoke, but I do consider it a novelty. I bought two for a friend and myself for our birthdays and we actually had time for it months later a day before we headed off to Cuba so it was a nice occasion, but I never find myself thinking: "I have 3+ hours to kill, I wish I had a Monty A"

Having said that, it's undoubtably a cigar that one HAS to try at some point in their live. The experience of smoking it is a special one.

[cigcars]

I've enjoyed some Monte A's in past years...including some I'm pretty certain were unfortunate counterfeits, yet they were still pretty flavorful.

[dagoR6]

  On 12/7/2011 at 7:12 AM, cigcars said:

I've enjoyed some Monte A's in past years...including some I'm pretty certain were unfortunate counterfeits, yet they were still pretty flavorful.

I don't think the A is ever counterfeited. IIRC the A was unbelievably difficult to roll and always has a small audience.

[jedipastor]

I paid $25/stick for a 5er from 2002. I've smoked 3 of them this year, and loved the crap out of each one. Honestly, other than 1 particular #4 I had once, these are the best Montes I've ever had. I can't say they are always that good because I have no idea, but the ones I got were well worth the $25 to me, and that's saying a lot because I usually smoke in the $6-$9 range. In fact, there are only a handful of cigars I've had that are worth $20 or more to me, the only other Habano being the Behike.

[Lotusguy]

I rarely have the 3 hours required to smoke them but when I do, they are great. Builds in strength during the smoke and has that typical Monte creamy chocolate flavor. The coffin presentation is also very nice. Great for a special occasion and heads and shoulders above the SP Sanchos which are the same size. Have not dug into my box of HDM Particulares for a comparison yet.

[Tarks]

  On 12/7/2011 at 8:38 AM, dagoR6 said:

I don't think the A is ever counterfeited. IIRC the A was unbelievably difficult to roll and always has a small audience.

I have seen plenty of fake A's in my day. Not in Cuba but in other Caribbean countries. Jamaica is one that stands out to me at the moment.

[SethG]

  On 12/7/2011 at 11:28 PM, Tarks said:

I have seen plenty of fake A's in my day. Not in Cuba but in other Caribbean countries. Jamaica is one that stands out to me at the moment.

I could see a really bad fake being out there but I always thought they were so monumentally difficult to roll that there were less than 10 people who could roll them left working in the factories. The length being the challenge.

Maybe someone here can speak to difficulty to roll.

[Skitalets]

I love them and will probably buy another 5 box next year once I have the necessary storage space. They are quite a journey and well worth tracking down.

[El Presidente]

We are doing the SLR DC this week (part of the 5 year review).

I will see if we can arrange a Monte A review week following.

I am not doing a side by side with the Sancho's

[Fuzz]

  On 12/8/2011 at 4:13 AM, El Presidente said:

We are doing the SLR DC this week (part of the 5 year review).

About time! Leave it any longer and we'll be ready for the 5th year cigar review!

[carnivalhobo]

Awesome, thanks for the replies guys. Looking forward to it Prez

[Ken Gargett]

i thought that either the sancho or monte A had been discontinued? pleased if not.

i used to have one of either reasonably regularly. still have a couple left but been a long time. i was coming to the conclusion, back then at least, that i preferred the sancho but both very pleasant, if rarely spectacular.

used to always have one on the fraser fishing trip, just sitting on the balcony with a book and a drink, for the arvo. hard to beat.

[OZCUBAN]

Hi all

I have had only two of these ,and I must say your patients will be rewarded,but nowadays I find it hard to fit in a Churchill or Double Corona

I once was buying cigars at this liquor outlet some years ago now and they had a pretty decent selection of Vitolas all legit of course ,and that's where I bought 1 of the A's I have smoked ,went back there not long after say three to six months ,and the girl behind the counter says " we don't do cigars any more " or words to that effect ,I asked how much they had sold off the monte A's she says Blah Blah about $15 a stick ,needless to say I was mortified ,oh what could have been

Oz

[Lotusguy]

Hey Ken, it's the Sanchos that have been discontinued

[bassman]

A good cigar that gives you a wide ranging experience starting mild & finishing strong. I only smoke maybe one a year, but have enjoyed five packs from 2004 & 08.

[Ken Gargett]

  On 12/8/2011 at 10:36 AM, Lotusguy said:

Hey Ken, it's the Sanchos that have been discontinued

i did remember that later. knew it was something. ta for confirming. shame.

[Puros Y Vino]

I'd love to see a review of these. Been wanting to get a fiver. Love those little coffins they come in. I have two Cuaba Diademas in coffins. A review of those would be cool too. But, really interested in the Monte A's.

[Reaver2145]

I had one i looked at it for a little over a year and then gave it to a friend instead.

It looks good on paper but when you get down to it i find them to too long i never have enough time to smoke them.

[dB69]

...remembering the big spoonful of honey an "A" delivered to me...

[Lotusguy]

  On 12/17/2011 at 2:18 PM, bundwallah said:

I'd love to see a review of these. Been wanting to get a fiver. Love those little coffins they come in. I have two Cuaba Diademas in coffins. A review of those would be cool too. But, really interested in the Monte A's.

The Diademas have presentation second to none but are virtually devoid of flavor, I have to say. I went through two boxes back when I was in my "bigger is better" phase