Montecristo No 5 ESL ABR 18 (WTR)

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Both cigars were kept in my wineador at 65/65 and dry boxed for 24 hours. 

Montecristo No 5 ESL ABR 18 Dry Review

First up is the dry guy. The draw was a little tight, but for the most part construction and smoke production were good. The first third had some bitter chocolate, nuttiness and cream. In the second half the flavors seemed to fade out and I really didn't get much. As with most last thirds of most cigars, this one was very bitter with earthy and chocolate notes. Overall not a bad smoke.

1 on my 0/1 scale.

Montecristo No 5 ESL ABR 18 Wet Review

Next up is the wet whet. Full disclosure, I may have dunked the sucker in water for a bit too long because I was trying to snap a picture. The initial burn was without issue, until it got to the water line. At that point, the wrapper decided not to burn any more (reference the third picture below). So for the rest of the cigar I had multiple relights and even ran out of butane in my lighter at one point. But the flavors made the struggle worth it. Wetting the wrapper seemed to enhance the flavor of the cigar; the entire cigar seemed to be smoother with the chocolate and cream notes merged together. The wet wrapper seemed to also replace the anticipated bitterness of the last third with sweetness. Also an enjoyable smoke.

1 on my 0/1 scale.

 

Both cigars were enjoyable, but for different reasons. The first burned well and did not require extensive maintenance. The second exhibited a sustained sweet cream and chocolate flavor. I'm not sure which one I prefer, the well burning smoke with intermittent notes of chocolate, cream and nuts; or the poorly burning great tasting cigar. Next time I'll be sure to baptize the cigar and not drown it.