Monte Medio and it's impact on the Monte 5. (Poll)

[El Presidente]

Two opinions discussed with an Industry mate over the past week. It was in relation to the new Monte Medio (Half Corona) and it's impact on the Monte 5.

Assumption.

Both good cigars.

Both well priced. The Monte Half corona along the lines of the Upmann Half Corona price. So assume $20 difference between the two (Monte Medio $20 more than Monte 5).

Opinion A (Theirs).

The Montecristo Medio will expand the market segment of small format cigars and have minimal to no impact on the sales of the Montecristo Number 5 that is a vitola well entrenched.

Opinion B (Mine)

The Montecristo Medio will cannibalize Monte 5 sales. Given a choice between the two and a price difference of $20 a box, the Monte Medio will win out 4 out of 5 times.

Have a crack at the poll for me. I would love to get some feedback (as would my industry colleague).

Please assume in the poll.

• Both excellent quality Cigars.
• Monte Medio Box at $20 more than a box of Monte 5 (only supposition).
• You are in the market for a half corona type cigar and Monte is your choice.

Cheers

[JohnS]

I think I would give the Montecristo Medio Corona a try, but long-term I would favour the Montecristo No.5 as I feel the blend in these cigars is similar to a Montecristo No.1 and No.4.

In general terms, although I have not tried the Monte Medio yet, I would imagine that it would 'pack a punch' like the H.Upmann Half Corona and the Partagas Serie D No.6, and hence will prove more popular in sales initially than the Montecristo No.5.

[santela]

If both are good and similar in size I'll choose the cheaper one, even if it's only $20 difference. That's how a real cheap ass does it.

[Habana Mike]

Given the difference in ring gauge I expect the blends would differ. Thus it would come down to preference after I'd had the chance to try similar year versions of each.

[jimjim]

Partagas has like 3-4 petit coronas and they are all current production so I don't see why the new size would significantly affect the no. 5.

[CUBANO]

I go for the Monte 5. One of my favorite minutos. Ready for a box when they show up on the 24:24

[maxcjs0101]

Depends on how good the Media Corona is really. If its much better tasting (for me) i think i'd spend the extra premium.

[Smallclub]

Partagas has like 3-4 petit coronas and they are all current production so I don't see why the new size would significantly affect the no. 5.

These Partagas are in a completely different situation; in Europe they all have their regular customers, and most importantly, they're worth half the price of a Monte 4. The Partagas Mille Fleur is even half the price of a Monte 5 in most countries…

[hebbe72]

I see a potential risk for canibalization. At least if you bring supposition #2 out of the eqaution above. The one dealer in Europe I have seen them at have them priced 15$ / 10 EUR below a box of Monte 5.

[puro]

Meh ... $20 difference for a box wouldn't mean anything to me . I'd try both in a single then let the cigars do the talking

[MrGTO]

If they were as good as the HUHC I would buy the medio. I like the length and width of the HUHC. I seem to be able to smoke them faster than a thinner longer stick when time is of the essence.

[Professor Twain]

Monte 5s are my most smoked cigars. The reviews I've read say that the Medio is a milder Monte, more like the Monte Edmundo than the 1,3,4, and 5. That plus the extra $20 would keep me in the Monte 5 camp.

One thing I'll like in the Medio is that it will fit the Upmann Half Corona tins. I like the convenience and style of tins for small cigars. I'd love to see Habanos release some tins to fit the Monte 5, RASCC, and other smaller cigars.

But Rob, I think you are right about where the market will go. They are largely hitting the same niche. Growth in one will mean less sales of the other.

[Habana Mike]

Well, half and half at this point.

Most have not had the chance at the Media Corona as yet so perhaps results may differ in the coming weeks.....

[jacksfull]

I have not yet had the pleasure of smoking a Montecristo Media Corona. But odds are I'm going to love them as much as other Monte's. And, I do like the half corona format of the HUHC. So, I will certainly buy Media Coronas when I get the chance.

Truth is, much as I know the #5's are tasty, I'm not a big fan of the perla format. They go just one step too small for my tastes, preferring the slightly larger RG of minutos and marevas/petit coronas, as well as the aforementioned HUHC. In the Monte line I tend to go for #4's over #5's. So, what little I do buy of the #5 could easily be completely displaced by the Media Corona.

[ayepatz]

I guess it comes down to whether or not people think there's enough of a difference between the Medio and the 5 to justify buying both.

Do many people buy loads of different short vitolas? I know I don't.

I reckon most people will be more interested in comparing the Medio with HUHC, and 5 sales will likely suffer.

[Tacls]

I enjoyed the Monte Medio Coronas I have had, I will buy a box if it's only a 20 dollar difference and not something outrageously priced.

Doesn't mean I won't buy more Monte 5s though, will have to see how the Medio Coronas pan out with age.

[LGC]

The Monte 5 will be chopped soon. It will come back as an EL with a thick, maduro wrapper and 2 bands. Boxes of 10 will sell for 4 times a current Monte 5. They will be sold out before their release.

[jp1979]

I would stick with the 5 unless the Medio was way better. I do want to try the Medio though.

[UpInSmoak]

I can't be the only one that forgot my original answer Honestly depending on my mood and buying impulses who knows what I would do at any given time. I love the monte 5, but I also have a box of medio enroute from a recent 24:24. Prez, to answer your question- it depends on how pretty the box is that you post on your daily sale !

[in0gravity]

I think that the Medias will push the Monte 5 aside. Especially with the 5er tin coming sometime later for the Medias. I always have a tin of the Upmann Half Corona on me and a box for refills. Can imagine that others will do the same with the Medias.

regards

Lars

[garbandz]

Smoking my first one now,this is a rich little stick. Very much as I was hoping,even though it is very young.

Starts out creamy and earthy, sweet tobacco with a dry finish.

The aroma is full of spice,very bold.

Nice flat cap,excellent construction,smooth wrapper,a well made cigar.

Seems to be like the HUHC in style,lots of flavor in a small format.

I love the #5,but this stick,at least,could become a regular in my rotation.

I look forward to trying another one in 6 months..........

[dangolf18]

I don't think they'll hurt Monte 5 sales. I will say that the Medio Coronas have much nicer wrappers and are much better looking.

[luv2fly]

I would have to try a Medio to compare. It would have to blow my skirt up as I really love the 5.

[MrGTO]

Just smoked a Monte 5 last night. The medio would have to be a heads above the 5 for me to switch. I guess I need to get my hands on some medios to form a decision.

[Lotusguy]

Smoked a medio this week. Nice, but wouldn't buy any. The value just isn't there.