Montecristo No. 4 - AUT ENE 16 (FRW)

[Tdm_86]

Since I purposely didn’t do a Monte 4 for the Petit Corona review weekend, I thought now would be a good time to throw it in the mix. The second to last one from this box and let me tell you, this box has been all over the map. There were a few 70-something point cigars in there, but also a good number of 90+ers. Forest Gump was right: ‘Life’s like a box of Monte 4’s, you never know what you are going to get.’

Pre-light

A pretty average looking stick, can’t fault it’s appearance. It smells good, like cedar and sweet tobacco. Straight cut and the cold draw is sweet hay. Easy draw, mustn’t smoke this too quick.

First half

Phew, it appears we have a good one from this box 😄 Immediately some good flavor output with familiar Monte 4 flavor. On the draw it’s a bit of cedar and hay that’s met with a faint whiff of cocoa powder on the retrohale. The draw has tightened up a bit now that the cigar is warming up and the resistance is about perfect. It burns really well and doesn’t require any attention. On the approach to the second half, the cocoa powder intensifies and starts getting creamier and more upfront. 

Second half 

Still trucking along, everything is now more pronounced, the draw flavors are clear milk chocolate up front and coffee & cream on the back palate. When retrohaled, I get raisins (always do on a decent Monte 4) and on the very edges there’s a hint of vanilla bean. Lovely stuff. 

Conclusion

When they are like this, it’s a wonderful thing. Solid performer, packed full of flavors I like. Now fingers crossed the last two from the box are equally great. Smoke time was 1hr 10mins.

94/100