Montecristo No. 3 PLA AGO 15 (M&CRW)

[MrBirdman]

Paired a regular in my smoking rotation with a regular in my listening rotation - some of Beethoven’s late string quartets. No reason in particular I thought they go together (I mostly listen to so-called “classical” music, and think any music can improve any cigar experience in the right setting). 

Drink today is a 2021 first-flush Darjeeling I just received. Very nice, though this is a quite strong specimen and clashed a bit with the cigar. For my second cup I switched to a double-bergamot Earl Grey. 

Six years is about the max age I want my Monte’s, as they tend to lose their cocoa hit. This stick was a good example of what is gained from the aging, a chewy, dried fruit taste with only hints of chocolate and cream remaining. The cocoa built slightly towards the end. I had to use the PD to unplug this, and it had some burn issues past midway, going out more than once. But it was never hot, remaining refined. 

All in all, in light of the construction issues a solid 90 points for the cigar. Paired excellent with the EG tea, a great batch from Todd & Holland, and of course Beethoven is…Beethoven. So rare in any artistic genre for the most popular artist to be, indeed, truly the greatest. 

And he loved his tobacco, though he enjoyed it out of a pipe. Cigars were just catching on during his lifetime, but pipe smoking was still more common (and much more affordable for someone of his means). 

[smbauerllc]

Very nice review.

I wish I were able to do nice long,in depth reviews like this instead of just my short paragraph at most whenever I post in one of the "what are you smoking today " type threads on various forums.

Big fan of the no.3.

Smoking one right now in fact.

Tied with the no.2 as my favorite Montecristo, which Is my favorite marca

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

[Chas.Alpha]

If you play Beethoven on piano without crossing your right hand over your left, you are playing it wrong! 😀

Great review!!!

[karp]

Nice review - I like the tea and classical combo. Classy!