Montecristo Edmundo UGE ABR 16: ERC

[rcarlson]

Well, my Easter smoke for the review competition was the Montecristo Edmundo, a much maligned and remarkably inconsistent stick that I do love.  The box code denotes nothing special from the 2016 batch, and indeed there is nothing special.  It has been a rollercoaster box.  However, this time I drew a good one.  The roll was nearly perfect, cold draw heavenly, and was able to produce just the right amount of smoke.  Enjoyed with a Malbac because Costco had it on sale. 

 

First third:   Draw was smooth and the aroma  pleasant but not traditional Monte.  It was earthy and moist, kind of a damp forest floor for the first 2 inches or so.  No doubt Cuban, but nothing particularly pleasing.  10 minutes into it, things changed.   Nice subtle flavors of cocoa, coffee, vanilla and a tinge of sweetness. As things progressed, the creamy texture increased to that classic Monte.  By the end of the first third, the train had arrived. 

 

Second Third:  The stick opened up.  Creamy, leather, long milk chocolate on the back of the palate.  Burn and draw generally remained even and good.  The Cadbury Bunny would approve.  

 

Final Third:  Strong leather and spice emerge while the creaminess fades.  However, the smoke never became too hot and remained pleasant all the way to the nub.  After setting it down, I contemplated lighting another but decided better of it to save for another day.

 

Overall, a great stick.  I have a love hate relationship with the Edmundo due to its inconsistency.  But when they're on, they're on!  This happened to be the case with this one.     

[foursite12]

Thanks! Nice write-up.

[Islandboy]

Good review...I can relate to. I recently finished a box that I had a love/hate relationship with as well. The final stick was quite remarkable.