Monte #2 Question

[davidl]

I recently purchased a box of 10 Monte No.2 cigars (PE). Upon sampling the first two, the cigars look good, draw well, but are are completely flavorless. This is the second time this happens with this specific vitola. Do you guys think these are just too young, or maybe are one of the "duds" that Montecristo is so famous for?

Thanks for your feedback!

[Munts]

I have never had a completely flavorless cigar before.

Just one question though. Were you eating or drinking anything with or before the cigar?

Some cigars have flavors that are very subtle at times...... though i wouldn't normally put a Monty 2 into that category

[Guest rob]

It didnt even taste of tobacco??????

[mk05]

that's what ya get for not getting PSP ya cheapy! haha just kidding.

how long was it in transit? did you sit it for 4 weeks in your humi? did you smoke/eat/drink anything before it that may have affected your palate?

[davidl]

It's not that they had no taste, it's that that it was like smoking a cheap Dominican cigar - No complexity at all, and very little (if any) flavor. I've had No.2's they way they should be...and this is supposed to be an incredibly powerful and tasty cigar. The cigars have very little smell, when you smell the foot.

The cigars were in transit for ~2 weeks, and in the humi for a little more then that, before I smoked the first one. Mk05 - I know you were kidding, but hope that there is no truth to that theory.

You guys seem surprised by the question..are you telling me that you don't experience these type of issues?

[Hash]

My experience with the Monte#2 has always ended with a disappointment.

[ptrthgr8]

The most recent box of Monte #2s in my cabinet is OGA ABR 11. I've had other #2-types that I like better (Upmann, Diplo, PSP2 to name a few), but I've never had a Monte #2 that was what I'd consider to be flavorless. I definitely do find that they're better the longer they sit (like most, I suppose), but they weren't bland or anything like that even just after a couple of weeks in my humidor.

Maybe yours just needs to rest for another month or so?

Cheers,

~ Greg ~

[Cohiba007]

I've had flavorless cigars before. Just let em rest for 6 months or so. Probably just in a "dumb" period

[terrantheman]

I would never classify the monte #2 as a powerful cigar. Sounds like you got some duds or you're experiencing some dud tastebuds at this moment in your life?

[Dbone]

I've had flavorless cigars before. Just let em rest for 6 months or so. Probably just in a "dumb" period

Do this. I usually always have one right out of the box on delivery, then let them rest for months. 30 days never seems to do any good. Good luck

[ramon_cojones]

Your first mistake was buying monte 2s lol.

But seriously they are too young, my upmann 2s were flavorless the first 6 months I had them.

[EL1990]

I havet a box of 10 from a trusted supplier and was amazed by the colour and aroma of the smokes. The wrappers were so oily! Smoked one on receiving the box and man!! it was friggin' flavourless. Had a very waxy taste. No sign of the Monte 2 flavours. I let it sit for 8 months before trying the next one from the same box and it was a lot better! Not as good as some Monte 2s I'v had, but much much better than the first time.

EL1990

[CaptainQuintero]

Had the issue with both the RAE and Cohiba 1966 from multiple different boxes.

[Orion21]

It's always good practice to never buy Cuban cigars to smoke right away. It's sad really, but they transform magnificently the longer they sit in a good humidor. There are the exceptions, so it may be worth starting a thread asking which CC's are smoking really well ROTT if you plan on smoking them right away. That will allow you to stock your humidor (s) with other lines that will benefit from resting. I am speaking from experience with Monte Petit Edmundo, Hoyo Epi Especials, Upmann No. 2's, Bolivar Royal Corona's etc. The best Cuban I have had RIGHT out of the box was the Bolivar Petit Corona -- fantastic.

[Tyemv]

Let it rest a few months.

[Vortigan]

I've just had a practically identical experience with the first one from a PE 10 box (July 'll) As with the OP,all the right looks etc.Lit the first one last night after just over a week's rest.Absolute crap!! I've got little hope for the others to be honest but I won't be going anywhere near nor by again now for a long time.

[ewipper]

The box code tells the whole story.

[HabanosHoser]

I know precisely what you mean. I had this EXACT same experience with a Monte 2 about a month ago. I don't know what the box code was, as I had acquired it in a box split, however it had been in my humidor for a good 4 months before I fired it up. I've had great Monte 2's in the past and this was anything but. It had all of the characteristics of a decent stick by appearance: good construction, nice wrapper...but alas, upon ignition and through out the entire smoke it was as if there was no flavour at all! It was a major disappointment. I tossed it half way through and fired up a Party Short to quell my frustration. I have two more of these in my humidor. I truly hope they aren't the dud this one turned out to be. I hope the same for your box as well.

[winelover]

Shall I chime in? I picked up a 25ct MC2 from PLM ABR 11 and reviewed the first stick I tried from the box here. I found the cigar very strong and the flavour that dominated was leather and it seemed quite muted. I am going to just keep my hands away for a while as I would rather give them a chance to come round. I personally think they'll need 5 years+. Whereas my recent BBF are stunning ROTT!

[Vortigan]

Whereas my recent BBF are stunning ROTT!

A box or two of these is most definitely on the shopping list!

[CanuckSARTech]

Montes are definitely favourites of mine.

Haven't had any of that particular box code yet, so I can't be specific to that box code.

But, I would definitely give them at least three or six more months. They really are kinda young. That said also, there should still be SOMETHING there of the taste profile. But, unfortunately, Montes are soooooo all over the place sometimes that this is sadly a risk. I've had the various levels of Montes, from Czar's, as well as top choice hand-picked boxes from many different places (by myself as well as respected vendors). I've come to the conclusion that if it's Monte, I'm going PSP only, for the dark richness and heavy oils. I just don't want to take a risk with my Montes anymore.

That said, I'd give them a bit more, and see how they develop. They definitely look nice, but it does unfortunately really depend on the leaf quality on the inside, and the blend for that production lot, and how the tobaccos are married up or whatnot, and if they'll be ready sooner or they need more time.

Good luck. Cheers.

[Bolismoker]

I must be incredibly lucky? I've gone through 3 or so boxes of these in the last couple of years. Overall, I would rate the quality as top notch, I can only think of 2-4 of the 75 that I was unhappy with. I'm smoking one right now from a box of '03 that is classic Monte. semi-sweet, loads of bean flavors, woody, with subtle whit pepper through the nose. After reading this thread and seeing other experience, I feel I ought to go play the lottery as it seems I've been lucky indeed

[celtmick1984]

Have a box of ROA JUN 11s that have been in the Humi about a month and there isn't much aroma coming off of them (a little mild sweet wood, perhaps), but I'm hoping they come around by the end of the summer so I can fire one up with my brother. Best wishes to you and yours as well.

[LeafLover]

In 2015 try cigar #2

My 10 count 09's are just coming out to play. I know, I know....that sucks.

[davidl]

Thanks for all the great responses guys, it is a pleasure to read all the different opinions.

The box code tells the whole story.

Eddy - are you indicating that there is a general problem with this box code..? I know some people ask for codes before purchasing, but I wouldnt know where to cross reference the data with in such sort notice, in order to make a purchasing decision.

I've come to the conclusion that if it's Monte, I'm going PSP only, for the dark richness and heavy oils. I just don't want to take a risk with my Montes anymore.

I think this pretty much sums up the way I feel at this point. It's a shame to need to invest in PSP, but if that is the only way I can make sure I havent "wasted" money on a box of duds...it's gives me something to think about.

In 2015 try cigar #2

My 10 count 09's are just coming out to play. I know, I know....that sucks.

I would love to age my stock this much...but I don't believe I am at the level where I have enough stock to do this yet..