Montecristo Double Edmundo RUM ABR 19 (49NRW)

[Shatner's Bassoon]

I’ve smoked three from this box already; two were excellent, one was mediocre. Unfortunately, this was another mediocre example.

The draw is slightly snug but nothing to worry about. While normally I don’t bother about cold draw, here there is a lovely, clear chocolate note at cold, which leaves me eagerly anticipating this cigar.

True to the cold draw, the cigar starts brilliantly, with dark chocolate the predominant flavour, and a touch of citrus, particularly on the finish. The citrus note gets thicker and towards the end of the first third resembles the lemon curd flavour I’ve found in some other Montecristos. Body is medium full throughout the first third.

Sadly, after that very promising opening, the cigar seems to close up, and the flavours become muted. The citrus is still just about there, but the chocolate has disappeared to be replaced by wood. A couple of times I think I can detect faint notes of caramel, but I suspect that’s just wishful thinking on my part.

The final third doesn’t improve things: the flavours are fizzling out, and the cigar takes on a slightly ashy character. I give up after about an hour and a half. It’s a shame, as I know how good these can be when they’re on. 84, which is largely due to the very good first third. There’s always next time...