Festival release: 2012 EL Montecristo 520

[maverickdrinker]

I thought I posted this here. I reviewed this a few weeks ago. Enjoy!

a great BOTL gifted me a pre release Montecristo 520. The wrapper has a beautiful sheen to it. Oily, looks delicious. This cigar is so packed. very firm. limited give. cold draw reveals chocolate. I am told that this has a leaf and a half of ligero in it. I am looking forward to smoking this.

A quick punch and light and we are off. The cigar fires up like a candle. Might be the ligero. The burn is razor sharp. All I can say is that this is mucho fuerte. This is a cigar not for the fient of heart. Pure power. It tastes like one of those 99% cocoa bars. A little pepper. Better get something to eat.

The burn still razor sharp through the first third. This is balls on. I can't believe how perfect the draw is on this cigar as it is firm from head to toe. The smoke coming off of this is fantastic. Just perfect.

Loving the strength of this thing. It isn't obtrusive at all. Roasted almonds are coming out. Fantastic.

Almost 2 hours in. This cigar is hypnotic. The strength has increased but not in a bad way. Smoking it very slowly and feeling really relaxed. Had to relight a couple of times due to how slow I am smoking this and due to the freshness of the cigar. Loving this.

Even after a couple of relights, the burn is razor sharp. the draw is sublime. These are worthy of buying more than a few boxes of.

I nubbed this cigar. Structurally, a fantastic cigar. Everything was excellent. The construction was incredible. I can't recall a cigar that was that packed that tighly and so firm that drew so well. It was like a baton. Billows of smoke and an effortless draw. Just amazing. the only drawback is that i didn't have that cubantwang i would attribute this to the fact the cigar is really fresh and hasn't had any humidor time for the flavours to meld together.

As I drove home, I was trying to pinpoint what this cigar reminded me of and then it hit me. NUTELLA!!! on steroids with a little bit of heat. Heaps of chocolate and hazelnut. It also reminded me of a chocolate bar with a touch of chile pepper.

What an fantastic cigar experience. All I can leave you with is that these are worth searching out for when released. Don't leave any on the shelf. I think that when this cigar gets some humidor time, it will be legendary. thanks for sharing this with me, my friend. you are a true BOTL through and through.

[EL1990]

look forward to smoking these!

[Puros Y Vino]

Nutella in a cigar? Sign me up!! Sounds like a winner. Can't wait to try one.

[LLC]

I am looking forward to being able to try one. Sounds great and right up my alley.

[isa]

Great review, but 2 big for me to try

[bobmirko]

How can we expect to see this cigar at the Casa's in Cuba?

[Ghabanos]

I love nutella.

[TexAg]

The anticipation of this cigar's release is a true killer. I can't wait to get my hands on a box!

[Duxnutz]

Thanx for the review Mav.

[ritan]

I was just reading the HSA email on this release today and thought "Why don't I search the FoH Review section to find out if any tasting notes were posted..."

Well, what do you know...

This one sounds tasty. Thanks for posting this up.

[mk05]

Very, very similar to the Maravilla #1. Art, will you adopt me

[anthem]

Thank you for the review Art, looking forward to trying them!!!