Montecristo No. 4 BUM MAR 14: Rocking Jocks Review Competition

[PointFivePast]

The good weather is here with spring in full effect and now Prez is running a competition?!? Clearly it is time for a cigar! I came to love the Montecristo No. 4 over the winter months for its small size and reliable construction which proved invaluable in the high humidity of the rainy Pacific Northwest winter. Now that the sun is here, it is the flavor profile that keeps me coming back to these tasty little suckers. Hmmm... tastes amazing, spot on construction, perfect size... I think it's safe to say that the Monte No.4 is rocking my jocks!

Decided to sit on the front stoop and enjoy this fine day. Everything in the yard is starting to grow (including the weeds) and this is the perfect spot to enjoy my Monte No. 4. Aroma at cold is barnyard and toasted tobacco through and through. Maybe a hint of baker's chocolate in there, maybe not. There is definitely an aroma of dog poo wafting in the air from somewhere so it's time to get this cigar lit and cover that smell!

First third opens with the dry smoke that I recognize as a hallmark of the Monte No. 4. Cedar, coffee with heavy cream, and just a touch of sweetness on the end. As the cigar burns, the cedar ebbs and flows while the smoke retains it's dry character which brings even more attention to the toasted quality of the tobacco. Hints of almond and sweet shortbread appear, reminding me of and almond biscotti. Mixed with the cream and coffee flavor this is the perfect combo!

Grabbed a glass of Varadero 7 year to pair up with the smoke. The dry quality of the Monte #4 is balanced perfectly by the sweetness of the rum. A hint of vanilla appears, seemingly from the marriage of the rum and smoke. In the picture you can see the new vine of Pinot Blanc that I picked up a couple hours ago with the GF at the garden center. Lost one of my Gewurtztraminer vines to disease last year and decided to try Pinot Blanc in its place. Come to think of it, I have room for another four vines... might have to go pick up a few more. I do love a good Pinot Blanc!

The theme of toasty tobacco and dusty woods backed by cream & coffee continues. The cigar rests a couple of minutes as I go check the mail and when I return I find a sourdough note leading the way in to the second half. I love the Monte #4 for this reason; it is predictable but not boring. I can pair drinks with it as I always know what to expect yet every time I smoke one I feel as though I'm discovering it for the first time.

A quick selfie with the Monte #4 and I'm all scarfed up to go watch my Timbers play the San Jose Quakes after I get this review posted. Will be the first game I've been able to make it to all season! As the cigar winds down I notice a bit of sweetness and fruit coming forward over the drier notes of cedar and sourdough. The sweetness has a honey/caramel quality to it that reminds me a lot of a PLPC. As I said before, the Monte #4 always keeps it interesting! Not sure I've noticed this before but it sure is enjoyable.

Overall, this has been an excellent hour of smoking. The Monte #4 is quickly becoming my go to and I may need to stock up on another box so that they will have a couple years on 'em by the time I finish this one. I hope you all have enjoyed the review and pictures. Thanks to Prez for giving us one more reason to get out and smoke this weekend!

[irratebass]

Very nice review & pics....even if you did give us a selfie heh

[rodjones]

Nice review. I agree it's never a boring stick!

[SCgarman]

They are a great tasting cigar.

[TheMonk]

Nice review, and a very nice smoke!

[Optic101]

Nice review !