Montecristo 2 - UEB NOV 18 (PWR)

[Diabolicalpherpher]

Got theses year and half ago from the host. Got a half box of PSP offer and had a few within the first six months....and they were a bit rough in terms of flavors.  Haven’t smoked any of these since and was looking to smoke cigars with sweet chocolate flavor profile. So here I am trying to see if these settled down. Wasn’t prepared to write a review but this was an enjoyable smoke and wanted to praise it.

My recollections were that these used to be darker in wrapper color but again it’s my recollection and that’s not saying much.  I prefer lighter wrappers because I associate montes with lighter to be closer to milk chocolate and a bit more sweeter profile, so these were a tad darker than what I prefer.  I think it goes without saying but, can’t judge a cigar only by the wrapper.  
 

Construction is good and I used a v-cut.    The pull is just right and didn’t notice any specific tastes in the cold draw.  I also didn’t notice anything special in terms of aroma at cold.  But once I lit it, the smoke arising from the foot was heavenly.  Very aromatic and not harsh at all to sting the olfactory senses.
 

First third consisted of semi sweet chocolate, not overwhelming, but enough sweetness for me to scratch the initial itch I had when I decided to pull this stick.  This is what I like about the #2.  
 

Second third got a little more dry in terms of sweetness and tasted more like bitter chocolate.  But this only happenEd for about half an inch and the sweetness returned.  I particularly noticed the retrohale here to have a spicy undertone.  
 

Last third was the continuation of the first third with the body building a bit but still on the medium full side. Also adding some coffee notes as well.  The retrohale now has a floral component without any spiciness.  Only the last inch showed a bit of elbows but I think these are turning the corner now.

A little touch up with the torch here and there but it smoked well, no tunneling or having to relight.
 

Been having rains for the past week and this was a nice addition to a gorgeous fall sunny day.