Montecristo Grand Edmundo EL BAP NOV10

[Colt45]

First off, as I smoke few cigars of such ring gauge, the girth is very noticeable, but not completely ungainly.

Construction: Feels perfect - firm, but not heavy, with no obvious anomolies.

Wrapper: Colorado + in color - not quite silky, but with a fine tooth. Wonderful even sheen of oil.

Pre-light Aroma / Draw / Taste: barnyard aroma, nice draw with a taste of powdered cocoa.

Draw / Burn / Smoke Volume: All very good.

Taste: Initial draws show some richness, which is offset by white pepper spice and green bell pepper. I immediately think young cigar.

Smoking into the first third, the sense of youth does not disappear entirely, but the green elements, for now, quickly fade. It is medium bodied, with depth, but there is also a feeling of lightness. It reminds me of a Nestles Crunch Bar - milk chocolate / crisped rice. There are random hints of cherry, and I find it quite dry, and somewhat woody, though not tannic.

Shortly thereafter, green notes reappear but are not harsh nor truly unpleasant - but they do mask, somewhat, the underlying characteristics. At this point, the overall impression is of chewing on a stick of Juicyfruit gum (rather mouthwatering), which for me shows a cigar in transition.

By midpoint, not much has changed. While I get a sense of underlying character and quality, the cigar seems youthfully disjointed. I'm quite intrigued by the depth, body, and core character. I continue on, but the overwhelming youth forces me to set this one down with fully a third left unsmoked. A very interesting cigar which I look forward to revisiting in the future.

This box is a gift from a friend, sent with the help of another, for which I am truly grateful.

For me, needs time.......

[stargazer14]

Thanks, never had one, and waiting for the review that will throw my wallet to the wind.

Perhaps one to buy now and have the box get lost in the back of the humidor.

[laficion]

Great review Ross,but I would prefer a photo or two ,just for the heck of It.

Aside from that, great review, thanks .

[JPS72]

Thanks for the review.

[mk05]

Thanks, never had one, and waiting for the review that will throw my wallet to the wind.

Perhaps one to buy now and have the box get lost in the back of the humidor.

Hold that thought and buy the Monte 520.

[markmurase]

Great review, thank you.

[Colt45]

I would prefer a photo or two ,just for the heck of It.

Understood. One 8x10 glossy of me on the bearskin rug headed your way.........

[michaelhealy]

great review, cheers mate

[ericdmd]

Amazing review I'll definitely look into those

[fba]

This review make me think I should look back into thos.

I prefer the EL 520 / Maravilla series to this one. I found it lack some strengh and very linear.