Montecristo 80th Anniversario UAO NOV 17 (NRW)

[Bucky McSwensen]

    Long boring review, I'd skip if I were you.  Terrible photo but its all I could muster in the social setting as I get called out hard for taking photos of sticks.  This is my first one from this box so it is a stretch to call it my nemesis as I have no smoking experience with it but I want more entries for this sampler drawing (I am fully aware of what a schmuck I am).  
    So how can I possibly justify calling this a nemesis?  My girlfriend hates when I smoke due to the residual breath and beard stank.  She is supportive of the collecting hobby and likes the classy discussions of this artisan treat in the same way that people talk about coffee, beer, whiskey or wine and all the nuances and changes.  She can deal with my own stank as I have a solid post smoke process of brushing, mouthwash, and rubbing charcoal based deodorant all up in my beard when I must.  But when I am smoking near her, it sticks to her clothes and hair and she has to suffer in support of me.  I would never describe my girlfriend as my nemesis (because that wouldn't be fair), but I will say that her existing when I want to enjoy such a thick ring gauge and long smoke has been my nemesis.  Typically enjoying a smoke this large is reserved for a truly relaxing time.  Cannot waste it as a yard gar or pair it with chores as I want to really enjoy it, but most of the times I can really relax in a social setting we are together (because of love).  We end up playing mexican train dominos on our buddies porch and everyone else is drinking wine.  Screw it, I want to indulge, I have waited long enough, consequences be damned, I am going to enjoy this with my buddy.  We are asked how we can make sure the smoke won't linger near the non smokers, we place a fan (which does nothing but move it around), and proceed to light up.  Relationships are all about keeping score and I have built up some tokens in the past so hopefully this one doesn't hurt my bank too much.  No idea on how many tokens I used up doing this but I will find out randomly and abruptly in the future.  I have been really excited to try this for a while but could never justify it due to my own nemesis of shame.  I overcame that and I feel stronger.
    Dry draw is sweet mocha.  First light was a smooth hit from the get go with chocolate, coffee and cream.  I get subtle touches of cinnamon, nutmeg and hazelnut throughout.  The smoke output is rich and aroma is pleasant.  This is a plus for others around as it smells of a fragrant campfire but they will inevitably reek in their clothes and hair for the rest of the evening.  This is a mild, rich, smooth, and delicious cigar.  The two years down have clearly done wonders.  I really overhyped this stick since I have been avoiding it for quite some time and it is living up to all my expectations.
    Second third gets a bit more robust and I would put it into the medium category.  A subtle cedar note picks up and the sweetness drops off.  Still getting loads of cream and spice but the mocha flavor has changed to a espresso with dark chocolate.  My buddy has some issues with canoeing, tunneling and relights but mine has been smoking perfectly with a sharp burn line.  I assume his issues are his own due to lack of attention but I am ecstatic that I can leave mine be for a while and pick up just where I left off.  This is one of the best montecristo I have ever had which is good because I have put it on a pedestal and they are not cheap.  The strength ramps up a bit but is still smooth and enjoyable.  I really enjoy the first third flavors but the evolution and variety are always welcome.
    Final third loses the cream and becomes woody and peppery.  Almost non cuban profile but still too smooth to go that far.  Still lots of cuban montecristo flavors in the background but lots of cedar and peppery spice.  Nicotine kicks in hard at the nub.  I really like this cigar.  I am shocked at how much variety it has.  I was a little worried about the aging potential but this amount of strength and transitions leads me to believe it has quite a bit of time left, but there is no reason to wait any longer.  I don't have a ton of these so I will probably revisit these in year.  I don't want to hoard them but know I won't be able to resupply them anytime soon.  Really a great special occasion smoke all around.  I cannot wait to see where these go from here.

I'd value this stick at $35
cost ratio: 1.13
cuba ratio: 2.17

[Eric05]

Its never too late to get rid of the nemesis! I deal with the same routine!

[Baccy]

Nice review, the gf talk is hilarious

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