Montecristo No. 2 LTO ABR 20 (MRW)

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After a solid but disappointing Monte 1 yesterday, decided to go back to the tupperdors in search of a proper Monte experience.   This box of 2s has delivered a reliable 92-94 point experience every time.   From a flavor perspective, it has performed even better than the score suggests.   However, the beautiful dark wrappers are thick and require some TLC to keep the burn in check even after storing at 62F/62RH.  I'm a flavor junkie chasing the dragon today, so the prospect of some touch ups doesn't deter me.

 

 

Grab a cigar and it smells as good as it looks (a perfect sunny day makes it appear lighter in some of the pictures).    Cut it and the draw is a touch loose, but nearly perfect.   Tastes like cocoa  

 

 

Light it up and we're off to a great start.   The Monte 1 was coffee, cream and cocoa powder.   This is rich, milky chocolate.    The coffee notes are richer and nuttier.   Body and flavor are medium plus.  The burn is a bit wobbly, but manageable.   This is the Monte I was looking for  

 

 

Second third picks up where the first dropped off.   There's some sweet spice and a bit of breadiness on the edges.   The nuttiness is taking center stage while the chocolate starts to move out of the spotlight.  Not getting any citrus notes and the burn requires a touch up, but I don't mind.   This is delicious.

 

 

Final third and the breadiness plus some baking spice are the main attraction.   It's more black coffee now like the Monte 1.   The cream is relegated to the edges.   Smoke it down to the band and call it a success.

Overall, this was a 93 point Monte 2 that scratched the itch.