Montecristo 80th Aniversario - 2018? (SMRW3/4)

[Skypilot]

I figured I would try my hand at my first review after being inspired by the “ No Time Like the Present” thread. I received this from a friend of friend in August of 2018 as I started my journey into Cubans. He was extremely generous by giving me this as well as a RyJ anejados and RyJ Capuletos LE. As a result I have no idea of the box code or the year, just when I received it   

I cut the cap and checked the draw and found it to be quite loose. I actually am fan of a loose draw and figured it would give me a chance to smoke it extra slow in order to keep the cherry from getting too hot.   From the get go it was all chocolate and cream for me. the chocolate got bitter at times like a baking chocolate and  would go back and forth with the cream. I felt like this had the typical Monte profile but amped up, it was richer, bolder, and stronger. While I enjoyed the flavors the burn was terrible, running an inch or so up the side. I was driving around in the woods with a window cracked as I often do, so I don’t know that I can blame the cigar. This happens frequently on others I smoke as well. I just can never decide if it was the cigar, a poor light, or uneven air flow while driving. Regardless of the reason I kept going to the nub. I paired this with coffee and water.
 

Overall this was a great cigar and would like to pick up a few more just to have on hand.  With that said I don’t think the premium price is justified to have more than a few on hand for a special occasion when a Monte 2 checks most of the boxes. 92/100