Monte PE UEB ABR 18 (MRW2)

[NSXCIGAR]

One of my bread-and-butter cigars, but been struggling through 2 10 boxes with this code with fireproof wrappers. They look great though. 

Initial thoughts: as usual, wrapper won't go after torching for over 60 seconds. Draw is firmer, which I like, but is bad news for a fireproof wrapper. Flavors are great off the bat: tons of strong chocolate with a touch of citrus. Classic Monte PE. 

2nd half: bad burn continues.

What a shame as this is otherwise an excellent example of a Monte PE. Burn is clearly affecting the flavors but there's so much there. 

 

Just too much struggle to continue. Having to torch this every minute. Flavors still excellent when I can get some burn out of it. Have to lay this one down.

Well, par for the course on this box. Such a shame with the outstanding tobacco used in this cigar. A quintessential young Monte PE. I have no doubt this had the tobacco for 94-95 points. I'm always encouraged just to know they're always putting effort into these. Obviously, this is more of a Tabacuba issue than a HSA issue as I always believe the true fireproof wrapper is a fermentation issue. I'm sure construction was fine. Since I only grade on flavor and construction I can't really score this one. We'll go with should have been a 94.