Montecristo Especial No. 2 REG ABR 18 (SRW)

[Bucky McSwensen]

This was my first go at the monte especial no. 2.  I was afraid it would be too young but wanted to get a baseline on the box.  

Beautiful dark wrapper with a hood amount of sheen.  Definitely fancier than most monte's I've had.  Draw is tight but not plugged.  I heed the advice to smoke it slow and it is rewarding.  No crazy smoke output but the flavors are rich.  Slight chocolate but mainly hazelnut and coffee.  This is what I was hoping it would be.

Second third kinda mellows out.  Not bland but not as rich.  I'm smoking this on a ridge for the view so the wind is causing constant touch ups and relights.  Each time I get a slightly harsh bitter hit and am afraid I ruined the smoke but it quickly recovers.  Maintains full flavor and a rich nutella aftertaste kicks in.

Final third gets more robust.  I touch up a couple more times to combat the wind.  Creamy coffee is the main note and then ends with a nutty espresso.  The aftertaste on the way back from our lookout is amazing.  I normally tolerate my mouth and stank until I eat or drink something else but this was a really nice lingering flavor.

Definitely one of the best young cigars I've ever had.  Hope the rest of the box is like this.  Far and away some of the best value I've had lately. 

I value this stick at $20 

Cuba value ratio- 2.40

Cost value ratio - 2.00

[TTP21]

Well done. Do you keep a database of some sort with your value ratio?  It's a unique way of rating and I'd be curious to see the evolution of certain cigars and the comparison between marcas and vitola.

[Bucky McSwensen]

36 minutes ago, TTP21 said:

Do you keep a database of some sort with your value ratio?

No database, just something at the end of my reviews.  Im disorganized.  Just a way score the value.  I've had better cigars that cost way more so they meet expectations on value.  I've had cheap ones too that blow me away where I'd rather have 4 in a row than 1 big one.

[Kaptain Karl]

Amazing review! This makes me really excited for my box I have resting! Also Bucky where were you at? Looks like you’re close to where I live in the Bay Area! 

[Bucky McSwensen]

50 minutes ago, Kaptain Karl said:

Also Bucky where were you at?

Cuesta grade overlooking San Luis Obispo (back canyon of cal poly).  Morro Bay is hidden in the fog

[Kaptain Karl]

3 minutes ago, Bucky McSwensen said:

Cuesta grade overlooking San Luis Obispo (back canyon of cal poly).  Morro Bay is hidden in the fog

I had a feeling it was south of San Jose! Super cool I love that area down there! What a place to smoke a great cigar! 

[StalinisBallinn]

Can't wait to try the one I got from you. Great review.

[slowsmoke]

I actually lit my first one of these last weekend, planning to review it for this comp, and it was a complete fail.  Burned wonky, didn't want to stay lit, tasted awful, had to pitch it.  So disappointed.  ASR JUN 18.  Hoping the remaining five are more like yours!

 

[MigsG]

Love that view, Bucky!