A Classic Revisited

[Sean3]

I haven't had one in at least 10 years, it is the cigar by which all others are judged...I am of course, talking about the venerable Montecristo No. 2.  A chocolate colored pyramid, this cigar's fans are legion, and for good reason.  A medium bodied smoke with a penchant for chocolate and cream on the palate, it's appeal is easy to understand.

A single from my stash found it's way out of the humi and into my grubby little hands.  A decent looking speciman, it was a bit light in color but otherwise a fine example.  The draw was perfect, a nice alternative to yesterday's Lusi, which had a very tight draw.  The first third presented a little spice, some wood, and of course...chocolate.  A good start led to a better second third.  The flavors intensified just a bit and the addition of leather added to the experience.  The final third is where things really picked up.  Flavors intensified noticeably, highlighted by, you guessed it...chocolate.  I also noted some of that Cuban "twang" and some creaminess.  The leather took a back seat, while the woodiness picked up.

Overall, a damn good smoke.  It was only in my humi for a couple of months and it's youth was noticeable.  I can only imagine what some sleep will do for this legendary cigar, but I can say with certainty, it will not be another 10 years before I partake of another Monte No. 2.  Cheers!

[Danimalia]

The Montecristo 2 was one of the first Cuban cigars I smoked. I did sort of drift away from them, in part to try others, but also because I just had too many where the construction let me down. I'll definitely have to get some from the host, since I know he'll filter out the bad ones. To me, they're kind of the quintessential Cuban cigar.

[Andy04]

16 minutes ago, Danimalia said:

The Montecristo 2 was one of the first Cuban cigars I smoked.

Same here.  Was 19 years old whilst playing golf at the time.  It was the start of an addiction! 

[Sean3]

39 minutes ago, Danimalia said:

The Montecristo 2 was one of the first Cuban cigars I smoked. I did sort of drift away from them, in part to try others, but also because I just had too many where the construction let me down. I'll definitely have to get some from the host, since I know he'll filter out the bad ones. To me, they're kind of the quintessential Cuban cigar.

Indeed.

[Smoking Ninja]

Well, I am glad that I jumped on today's 24:24 to grab a box of 10!!  I still have couple left from 2008.  I may revisit it this weekend!!  Great review!

[JZBdano]

Monte 2s and PSD4s were my first order.  I haven't looked back since.

[wabashcr]

I feel like the Monte 2 is often overlooked, which on the surface is a certifiably insane thing to say about one of the most popular cigars in the world.  But I think among more serious cigar smokers, it tends to be viewed as a cigar for the masses.  Certainly its high production volume can lead to some quality issues.  Speaking for myself, it's very rare that I'm in the mood for a Monte 2.  It's never been near the top of my list.  And yet, every time I have one, I'm never let down.  If you can avoid some of the construction and wrapper issues, it's one hell of a cigar.  I think I might need to have one this evening.

[Smoke6]

"It's never been near the top of my list.  And yet, every time I have one, I'm never let down.  If you can avoid some of the construction and wrapper issues, it's one hell of a cigar.  I think I might need to have one this evening."

 

Precisely my thoughts as well.  Just received a box to lay down and will visit these down the road, but the construction and smell are terrific.

[Cmelle]

Monte #2 was my first too. Got me hooked on Cuban cigars. I was also 19. Had it in the vip room at the casino. Everytime i went back there, i just had to have one. Sometimes 2 or 3 a night. I never have my humidor without them. Might go a while without having one, but at least they're there when i feel for one. Had one tonight too haha.

[Philc2001]

Thanks for the review. When they're on, the MC#2 is mind-blowing. One of my favorites. I'm nursing the remaining 2 specimens I have from 2002. I think I need to pickup some. 

[RijkdeGooier]

Monte #2 is a wonderful classic. Mond you these days a bit different from the pre1998 version?.

Mild wasn't the word then, sledgehammer was.

[JohnS]

My last run of Montecristo No.2's have been smoking really well, with flavours you describe. Yes, when Montes are 'on', they can be sensational!