Montecristo Edmundo SMO MAR 12: Throwback Review

[Phillys]

When I started smoking cigars, I was pursuing a masters degree in Toronto while my wife was pregnant with our first child in Ottawa. I was tough, every week I would drive from Ottawa to Toronto on Sunday night and back on Friday's to spend a bit of quality time. Who am I kidding, I was mostly studying on the weekends, but at least I made an effort to be there and do what I could. During the 4-5 hour drive, I needed something to take my mind off everything. I smoked cigarettes back then and was sick of it. I decided to get a few cigars for the road.   

One of the first cigar that blew me away is the Monte PE, I was stunned, the richness, the cocoa, the cream, I was hooked. That is the day I decided that I would smoke gigars for the rest of my life. Whenever I smoke a Monte PE, I am brought back to those days. Anyways, this is how this cigar just brings me back to that moment, it was the one of the hardest time, but worth it. I learned a lot of things that year, sacrifice, work ethic and the sheer determination to accomplish my goals. 

Now I have to admit that I am cheating a bit here. I am reviewing the Edmundo instead of the PE. I needed a longer smoke on Saturday night and figured it would be quite the same... boy was I wrong. I do have to say that this box has been solid, a bit under the PE, but great nonetheless, but not this one. 

Prelight draw is a bit loose, hints of coca.

First few puffs reveal cocoa, milk coffee, but it's lacking a slight sweetness I often associate with the Edmundo/PE. the draw is way more open than I initially thought

1st third: Unfortunately the loose draw is affecting the cigar negatively. Well under medium body. It's lacking the usual richness, dry coca and milk coffee dominates but the smoke is thin and dry. It's definitely missing something. Cream shows up for a few puffs but dissipates quickly.

2nd third: Body has gone up a notch, sitting just below medium. Cream is completely gone, so has the milk coffee. Straight black med roast coffee, no sweetness whatsoever. I recall the other cigars from this box where much better and way better constructed. The loose draw is really affecting it. 

Last third: Dark roast espresso, bit of burnt toast, cocoa has faded away. Not bad, but that's it.

The cigar was definitely affected by the draw although I did smoke most of it. Some parts were promising, but it fell a bit flat in the end, this box has had some great performers. I would have had a bit more time, I would have fired up a PE just to end the night on a good note. 

[TheMonk]

Nice job, shame the draw was too loose.