Montecristo Especial No. 2 REG OCT 19 (XNYRW6)

[saltbox]

Got this one in a trade with @Kaptain Karl. I'm a big Monte fan but haven't gotten around to lighting one of these up yet, but figured it was finally time when the other thread about these came up and reminded me.

First third: opens with a nice hit of chocolate over cedar, but the profile is not particularly creamy. In fact, it's quite woody with a good amount of rough peppery spice. 

Middle third: the cedar and tannins come forward even more making the flavor profile extremely rough around the edges. There's a light cocoa note but it's drowned out by the mongrel.

Last third: some cocoa and coffee manage to emerge from the shadows but the cigar is still extremely tannic and cedar heavy. I manage to stick through it to the nub, where a bit of almond emerges.

Overall: that was surprisingly disappointing. Montecristo seems to have been doing so well in this 19-21 era, based on feedback on the forum and my own limited experience (my UTL MAY 19 box of No. 2 has been amazing). I really hope this is just a sign of needing more age to really blossom, as I've got two boxes sitting and waiting already. At least, based on this thread, I'm not alone in being disappointed by these.

[Kaptain Karl]

I'm bummed it didnt smoke well for you! I only had 2 from this box so far and I wasnt sure if it was my poor monte palette that didnt like em. 

[saltbox]

Yeah! Construction was great so I’m hoping that these really open up with some time. Fortunately I’ve got plenty of other Monte that are smoking great to ride it out and see. 

[Kaptain Karl]

2 hours ago, philipl said:

Yeah! Construction was great so I’m hoping that these really open up with some time. Fortunately I’ve got plenty of other Monte that are smoking great to ride it out and see. 

I have a feeling they will with some good down time! I've had good luck with some '19/20 boxes that werent firing off immediately that just needed an extra year or so.