Thoughts on a Monte LE

[Habana Mike]

Sitting here enjoying a Monte Dantes and contemplating the Edicion Limitada program it comes to me that many of the naysayers feel that the wrappers tend to wash out the core traits of the typical blends and characteristics of most Marcas.

There is also an opinion among a few that EL releases don’t fare well over the long term.

I do agree that while the forward chocolate notes most found in an LE can impact the taste profile expected from many brands, this tends to highlight and magnify the Monte profile.

Tonight’s cigar paired with a nice Port is molten chocolate cake with whipped butter cream. 

Fuller than a typical Monte, rich and luscious on the palate. 

Black walnut with its astringency and hints of humus add to the complexity and enjoyment of the cigar. Burn is flawless and a perfect draw.

Given these are a fairly recently released model I am anxious to see how they fare over time.

I am still enjoying my 520, Sublime and GE editions quite much as well.

Unfortunately I do not have any of the earlier releases to draw upon though it seems many of these still attract significant interest when they come available.

 

 

 

 

 

[CaptainQuintero]

  It really does suit Monte, I wouldn't like it to replace the reg production blend but it's a lovely change of pace. The Sublimes are still one of the most chocolate leaden cigar I've ever had.

  The Monte D (2005?) were delicious too, they were straight up rustic dark chocolate, but they never seemed to get much praise.

[Toast & Taste]

I'm a fan of the Dantes. Different, yet still Monte.

That reminds me that I need a few more boxes from the next PSP offering. 

Big Al 

[Kitchen]

I have three boxes of Dantes, and loved the ones I've tried so far.  One box is away for 10+ year storage; another is sitting for probably 5 years.  I have 7 left of the third and will probably enjoy a couple this summer, but wait on the rest.  

[LLC]

520 has been my favorite so far. Still have some but don’t smoke them too often.


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[Phillys]

25 minutes ago, LLC said:

520 has been my favorite so far. Still have some but don’t smoke them too often.

Same here, the 520 (at least the ones I have) have been phenomenal, still have about two boxes left. 

[Islandboy]

Fairly new to the EL experience, but so far it seems they generally offer a ramp up in richness of flavor consistent with the marca. I regret not getting a box of Dantes last year, as the 6 or so I did experience were absolute molten chocolate bombs. I instead went big on the Capuletos, a choice I don't regret at all. Still.....damn those dantes were good. 

[Fugu]

Had been looking forward to this release, but the one and only I had (and reviewed) so far, had been lackluster. Wasn't bad, but so boring that I haven't felt motivated to buy more or to try another since. Ok, judging from one cigar is always unfair, but my verdict at that time was I'd take a No.3 any day over this one. Perhaps future might prove me wrong, but then again the pricing advantage will always reside on the sides of No.1 and 3, not to speak of the Especiales. That been said, not a huge fan of overly chocolaty-profiles.

[joeypots]

The one I liked best was the Grand Edmundo, shoulda bought more. Then the Sublimes. Then the 520. I agree with Fugu/\/\/\/\. The regular production Montes can be outstanding. 1,3,2, and the Edmundo. Not to mention the Especials. 

[BrightonCorgi]

I like the EL wrappers and don't care if it's too pronounced tasting.  Sometime those wrappers can look a little toothy, but that's what they are I suppose?  

[Phillys]

8 hours ago, Fugu said:

pricing advantage will always reside on the sides of No.1 and 3, not to speak of the Especiales. 

I second with this.

Most Monte No. 1 have been exceptionally good for me, ditto the two Especiales. The 520 and to a bit lesser extent the GE (only 2 Monte LE that I have smoked) have been top notch (well most of them, had a few duds here and there). However, the very best examples No.1 and Especial are definitely not lesser cigars, not by a long shot. On top of that, I can even buy new boxes when I run low!

 

On the Dantes, I would definitely like to try one, but missed out when available. I just think that EL and Montecristo go very well together. 

    

[TBird55]

Back before I saw the light ( good regular production > EL), I  grabbed a couple of boxes of Dantes. Haven't tried one yet

[FatPete]

Does anyone know how the Monte 80th Anniversario are smoking now, or if I should wait a bit longer before cracking the box ?

[Habana Mike]

The 2015's (SOM DIC15) are smoking great. Hard to stay off them..

[Piligrim]

I have dozen of boxes of Dantes and trying to get more. 2010 Grand Edmundo, 520 and Sublimes are brilliant.

[Riverstyx]

11 hours ago, FatPete said:

Does anyone know how the Monte 80th Anniversario are smoking now, or if I should wait a bit longer before cracking the box ?

I have a box from late 2015 and 2017.  The 2017 box is smoking splendid, the older box not so much.