Montecristo #1 - ROA Jun11 - Montecristo Review Competition

[skalls]

Monte's are the most common marca in my collection (partagas being a not so close second).  So I have more than a single vitola to choose from.  I couldn't pass up a chance to have a Lonsdale because well, they're awesome.

I bought this box last year and after having my first one I had to get another box of #1s because they are just so bloody good.  These are also my oldest cigars, but admittedly since I haven't smoked a #1 that's younger than about 2 years old I couldn't tell you how they've evolved.  But what follows is the experience I got with this bad boy.

Pre-Light:

Firm draw, not too firm but it's flirting with that line of too firm.  That said, the resistance seems to do a good job of never having the cherry overheat.  Pre-light draw flavors is all espresso.  It feels firm in the hand.  The wrapper is still very oily and silky smooth to the touch.

First Third:

This isn't a complex cigar as I'm only really getting 3 flavors: espresso, chocolate and cream.  But while it's not overly complex, the flavors are just on point and delightful.  During this third the espresso is the clear dominate flavor with the chocolate being the second in command.  The smoke is very viscous and oily.  The smoke quantity isn't great but it's just enough.  The flavors aren't fleeting but they aren't long lasting either.  It's a great start though.

Second Third:

No new flavors to add here, but the cream is now the king of flavors here.  Smoke output has increased a bit and the it's not nearly as oily.  This is my lone knock on the cigar as I really wanted the flavors to stick around awhile longer but the less oily the smoke feels seems to make the flavors much more fleeting.  This lasts throughout the second third.

Final Third:

The cream has died down a bit and all 3 flavors seem in harmony without one being more dominant than the other.  The oily feeling of the smoke has increased making the flavors last much longer than either the first or second third.  This is one of those cigars that when it's all over you want another one immediately (but no, you won't do that because that box is finite).  Definitely took me to my happy place.

Final Thoughts:

This one lasted 80 minutes.  I was smoking it a bit rushed as it was getting chilly in the shade and I couldn't be bothered to put socks or a pullover on (yeah yeah i know, i'm stubborn).  I think i could've gotten another 15 minutes out of this one and in hindsight I should have because this is just a special cigar.  At no point was there any youthful character nor did the cherry ever get warm.  I wouldn't expect the former with a 5+ year old cigar, so I can't say I was looking for that in the cigar but despite that it never appeared.

95/100.  

So wish I bought more than 1 of these boxes.  Do have a box from 14 and 16 so this box will last awhile, or at least until my manufactured special reasons to have ones run out =)

[TheMonk]

Nice review, thanks!

[subport]

Very detailed nicely done

[Slyclient]

Awesome review. I've had yet to have this size. Sounds great

Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk

[Jimmy_jack]

Great review

[Philc2001]

Thanks for the review! 

All lonsdales are special IMPO, they are a great format that lasts a good while, and it isn't overstuffed with fillers so they tend to provide the best intensity of flavors. As a bonus, when a Montecristo is on, it is such a delight, it's no wonder it is one of the world's most popular cigar brands.

[Danimalia]

Enjoyed the review. I'll be posting my own review of the numero uno, but I agree with you. Not the most complex cigar, but a nice, long great smoke.