Montecristo No 5 ETU JUL 2016 (MPCRW)

[kevpro]

This was my first Monte No 5, thank you to @inter4alia. I was excited to try one with almost 3 years of age on it!

 

Pairing:

Drink - Dewar's 12 Year

Music - Buena Vista Social Club 

Took El Prez's recommendation and really enjoyed the full album 

 

Construction:

Light Colorado wrapper with a firm box press and overall great construction

 

Aroma:

Cocoa and leather

 

Cold Draw:

Cocoa and hay

 

Due to the size I figured reviewing in two halves makes more sense.

1st Half:

I enjoy the box press on these smaller smokes and this one had a great draw as well. Immediate chocolate and sweet cream. A very sweet finish, the only thing I can compare it to is the foam on an Irish coffee. There was a decent smoke output but required minor touchups as the ash seemed to pull away from the bottom of the wrapper. It was medium to medium full body and medium strength. The sweetness begins to fade after about two inches and brings more intense chocolate and raw tobacco which was welcomed. 

 

2nd Half:

The second half continues with the same chocolate / raw tobacco with hints of the sweet cream but much more mild. Near the band the sweetness completely fades and it is predominantly dark chocolate. I smoked this one down to the nub which brought some nutty notes near the end. 

 

I didn't time this smoke, but it lasted until the second to last song in the Buena Vista album. So about 50 minutes which is impressive for this little cigar. 

The Dewar's paired well, but I think a rye spice would have offset the sweet notes better. 

Overall I'd give this 91/100. The beginning was a little too sweet for my tastes but the second half was great. I would definitely pick up some more of these.