Montecristo No. 4 - UEB JUL 19 (MRW)

[Zaxeiler]

Not for the contest drawing (because I actually smoked this a few days before the contest started). But wanted to participate, so posting the review from when I smoked it. Unfortunately, these are laying down for a rest, so didn't want to do another one just a few days after I smoked the first.

Montecristo No. 4 (UEB JUL 19, ~80 minutes) - Received my first ever 24:24 purchase last week. Had a year of age on it. Conventional wisdom says to lay them down for 30-90 days, but I just couldn't wait to try one. I was extremely surprised with how good it was - I got lucky...

 

Aroma is barnyard with that bright note of fermented tobacco, almost like cherry. Cold draw is a little firm, earthy, sweet pipe tobacco, and a touch of tingle on the lips.

 

Initial puffs are earth and chocolate. As it moves into the first third, a wonderful lemon twang comes in. That mixes nicely with the natural sweetness, nut/chocolate flavors. Almost like a lemon cake. Halfway into the first third I’m distinctly in coffee territory, still with a finish of lemon/sour. 

 

Entering the middle third, puffs are kind of alternating between coffee with lemon, sourdough toast, and chocolate biscuit cracker. Halfway through, no more lemon - the darker parts of what came before, sourdough bread, chocolate, and earth. Had one puff of ash, but a purge seemed to help (this is ROTT and also has a tight draw).

 

Into the final third, we’re all coffee and chocolate. After a bit, some hints of pepper are arriving, particularly on the retro. As we got to nub territory, the lemon/sour came back, taking us full circle, and making for a wonderful end.

 

Burn needed correcting in the first third, but was consistent after that. Draw was really tight, but seemed to relax (to firm) after a knot in the first third. Smoke output was adequate throughout. 

 

I don't have enough experience to give traditional reviews. But, even though it was young, it's clear I'm only going to enjoy this cigar even more as it gets older. I'd give it a 3.5/5, and a more conversational try one/keep a fiver on hand/buy a box statement.