Monte Robusto EL - POL May 01 (MRW2)

[CigarZen]

I thought I would revisit one of the first ELs  as it fit the call for Montes.  If I recall the feedback on these over the years they were inconsistent.  So I invited a fellow smoker to double check my impressions.

Pre-light:  darker wrappers typical if the early ELs and thick.  Construction good and prelight aroma was a toasted tobacco.

First Third: first puff was a blast of Monte herbal; vet nice.  This though past quickly turning to a sharp unpleasantness.  The burn was uneven. I would rate it at this point an 82.

Second Third:  the middle was the best, interesting aged tea, a wheat bread, biscuit—- interesting aged tobacco, albeit mild in intensity.  If this was the whole cigar it would rate an 88.  My mate even got a note of carmel. His burned even.  Mine wonky.

Last Third: well it back to sharpness.  The flavors are gone. My mate agreed it went “air bomb” in his words.Overall:  My burn had to be Retouched 5 or 6 times.  Wrapper was fire retardant.  My colleague’s though, burned well.  He had a better sample flavor-wise also, more tea.  Rating is 84.