Montecristo No. 5 2011 (MCRW)

[MigsG]

Pulled out this 2011 Montecristo No. 5, sent to me by a friend, no box code given.

I took a whiff of the cigar and was surprised to smell a floral scent over a sweet, mocha citrus type background.

1/3, starts out leathery. Not that good. Then maybe half way through, cream takes over. I can't say it's cocoa cream or coffee cream, just tastes like cream. Leather gone.

2/3 creamier, now with a hint of cocoa. No sweetness like with young Monte 5s.

3/3 turns musky but still creamy. Light coffee makes an appearance. This is the creamiest Monte 5 I've ever had, and also the most aged.

I'm not a fan of too much aging. In fact I've found that at some point in the aging process some sweet flavors seem to fade. I prefer a young 1-2 year Monte 5. 

Score: low 80s on the enjoyment scale for me.

 

[TTP21]

Thanks for sharing. The box I have is about 18 months at this point and I feel as though it has some rough edges that aging might help. That said, only having smoked CC's for 6 months now I've got no experience aging cigars so perhaps I'll enjoy the ones I have as they are and not try to hold on to too much for aging. 

[MigsG]

1 hour ago, TTP21 said:

Thanks for sharing. The box I have is about 18 months at this point and I feel as though it has some rough edges that aging might help. That said, only having smoked CC's for 6 months now I've got no experience aging cigars so perhaps I'll enjoy the ones I have as they are and not try to hold on to too much for aging. 

You're welcome!  Are you getting that sweet cocoa goodness already?  I'd definitely smoke at least 1 a month and see the progression, they will get better over time. If you smoked the box over the next 24 months, you should be rewarded with progressively better tasting Monte 5s. 

Edit: I should say 1-3 years as my personal preference.

[TTP21]

45 minutes ago, MigsG said:

You're welcome!  Are you getting that sweet cocoa goodness already?  I'd definitely smoke at least 1 a month and see the progression, they will get better over time. If you smoked the box over the next 24 months, you should be rewarded with progressively better tasting Monte 5s. 

Edit: I should say 1-3 years as my personal preference.

Definitely have noticed the sweet cocoa goodness. I'll look to keep up a monthly pace!

[HopeUgood]

Well done review of honesty is always appreciated!