Today has been a Montecristo day

[Ritch]

Today I opened with a lovely PSP Monte 4 and coffee, chocolatey and smooth. Then after a suitable break I decided to follow it up with a Montecristo 1 from 2017 that I grabbed from 24:24 before Christmas. My first ever Monte 1. By God what a cigar. Hints of chocolate, cream, almond and nutty. Beautiful. I think I shall to have another in the morning.

I almost went the monte 3 route, but didnt as they are still a little fresh. But I did however compare it to a Monte 4. Same size just half inch longer. I suspect that I wont be buying anymore unless it is vastly better than the Monte 4s...

[RDB]

So a question: are the Monte 1,3 & 4 blended to taste similar? Are they basically ‘the same’ but different lengths?

[aphexafx]

Congrats on a successful and rewarding Monte Day!  

Of the standard line, the No. 3 is easily my favorite.  More consistent and smoother that the No. 4 without the feet dragging of the No. 1.  For me, the No. 3 has the best flavors in the standard line and is well worth the slightly hiked price.  Also, coronas are just awesome.

[Ritch]

5 minutes ago, aphexafx said:

Congrats on a successful and rewarding Monte Day!  

Of the standard line, the No. 3 is easily my favorite.  More consistent and smoother that the No. 4 without the feet dragging of the No. 1.  For me, the No. 3 has the best flavors in the standard line and is well worth the slightly hiked price.  Also, coronas are just awesome.

Without smoking a monte 3 yet I'm of the opinion I would rather save the 50usd and buy monte 4. But I shall in the morning smoke a monte 3 and give it a chance.

The monte 1 was a complete delight and surprise. A lighter wrapper meant it was so much more nutty. And I think a good two years of age really helped.

I did finish the day off with an R&J Churchill which was also lovely. 

[aphexafx]

5 minutes ago, RDB said:

So a question: are the Monte 1,3 & 4 blended to taste similar? Are they basically ‘the same’ but different lengths?

I'll wager that the No. 1 and No. 3 are blended more specifically than the No. 4 and No. 5, which are produced in much greater numbers.  The No. 1 and No. 3 cost more per weight.  Even without knowing this, I'd call them the better cigars.  Yes, they are all variations of the same core blend.  For me, the No. 3 is the most satisfying.  ?

[Ritch]

I'm going to have to try a monte 3 now...

Not a fan of the monte 5. One of the few Montes I dont have any of.

[El Presidente]

I find them all quite different. I find them all very good!

Buying blind = 3 or 5.   Consistent and very good. Very different profiles. The 3 has a little citrus zest to the normal Monte profile. 

Number 1 is the most elegant. Beautiful balance. 

let me pick a box of great Monte 4 and I will take it every time over a Cohiba Siglo II or Trini Coloniales. People just don't know what they are missing, 

[Phillys]

5 hours ago, El Presidente said:

Number 1 is the most elegant. Beautiful balance. 

let me pick a box of great Monte 4 and I will take it every time over a Cohiba Siglo II or Trini Coloniales. People just don't know what they are missing, 

Definitely agree with this.

I have a box of HQ Monte 4's from FoH from a few years back and they are phenomenal. 

[Ritch]

I have 4 boxes of PSP monte 4s and they are nice. Truth be told they need a little time down to mellow and mingle.

The 2017 monte 1s though have ne wondering why I do not have more boxes.

I would even rate the monte 1 as better than a monte especiales 1 or 2. I think those few years of age make a world of difference.

[AbasCigar]

Don't judge a book by it's cover they say.

Or

Dont judge a cigar by its wrapper ?

Give the monte 3 a chance and I'm quite sure you'll soon be waiting for them on 24:24

[Ritch]

Smoked a monte 3 today. It wasnt as in depth of chocolatey as monte 4. Bit more kurt and citus. Lovely construction and lovely cigar. 

Still think the monte 1 is the one to go for mind.