Ideal age for a Montecristo Especial #2?

[Chucko8]

Interested to garner people's opinions on the sweet spot of age for the Especial 2. Let me know...

[NSXCIGAR]

From what I've read over the last decade or so it seems most post-2000 Montes appear to peak at around 8-12 years. 

[Marco_011t556]

Not sure how long would be the best, mine is around 6 years, and sweet as honey.

[Chucko8]

Have a 2021 box that had thought of dipping into today but in the end decided to ask the forum.

[PigFish]

Are the cigars acclimated? Then why wait for some bloke's opinion when you can form one yourself?

There are reasons not to open a box of cigars. I thought about giving you a few of mine but instead I will leave you this.

Today someone else is deciding to open many cigars MRN might have thought not to open yet. Who are you keeping those cigars for anyway?

[MagicalBikeRide]

I’ve smoked a couple ‘21s that were well worth smoking. They would likely have been better in time, but I’ve kept going back every six months and enjoyed them. I’d less success with older boxes mind you - but then they’ve just gone for a little longer rest. 

[SCgarman]

8 hours ago, PigFish said:

Are the cigars acclimated? Then why wait for some blokes opinion when you can form one yourself?

There are reasons not to open a box of cigars. I thought about giving you a few of mine but instead I will leave you this.

Today someone else is deciding to open many cigars MRN might have thought not to open yet. Who are you keeping those cigars for anyway?

This is truth! MRN didn't live long enough to apparently smoke well over a million dollars of cigars he accrued. Why wait people? Tomorrow could be your last day alive above ground, when it's your time to go, you go. Enjoy your cigars today!

[Fugu]

8 hours ago, PigFish said:

Are the cigars acclimated? Then why wait for some blokes opinion when you can form one yourself?

In particular as Esp2 smoke very well young. 👍

[BrightonCorgi]

8 hours ago, PigFish said:

Are the cigars acclimated? Then why wait for some blokes opinion when you can form one yourself?

Smoke one for science now. Write a note on the bottom of the box with your impressions and a date. See how your notes compare over the next decade or two.

[cigaraholic]

No one really knows when a box of cigars will hit its/your sweet spot. Assessing the quality of the tobacco your cigars are rolled with is a good beginning. Some boxes of cigars always smoke great, some never do. I think the % of long age worthy tobacco coming out of Cuba this century is a fraction of what it used to be. What I look for in a Monte to lay down is dark bittersweet chocolate, espresso, roasted nuts, nought and caramel.....aka the best Snickers Bar you’ve ever had. Lately with the exception of the #1’s I’m seeing the earthy cocoa powder flavor profile Monte’s, which I certainly enjoy. But I don’t see a big upside to aging. I’m too old to wait 7+ years to maybe see a 2 point climb in flavor. When I see a box that’s dripping with oil, has wrappers with a glowing iridescent huge, I know I’ve got something to lay down. I hope you got one of those boxes!