Beneath the Band: Montecristo Number 4

[El Presidente]

This series seeks to explore whether a particular cigar is humidor worthy.

Cost these days is an issue for many so let's see if we can highlight some absolute standouts.  This should particularly assist those new to the cigar world.  

To be fair, most of the cigars we have featured to date have scored exceptionally well. Surprisingly well! 

Scoring is: 1-3 (Poor)   4-6 (Average to good)   7-10  (very good to excellent)  Use the Poll. 

You are more than free to comment away 

Today: Montecristo Number 4 

Now it's not the Monte 4's fault that Habanos has doubled the price. What was once the most purchased Cuban cigar in the world wouldn't be in the top 10 today. How will it fare agains the Bolivar Petiti Corona and Upcoming Por larranaga Petit Corona ans king of the PC's? 

Outside of the poll, which do you prefer and why? Let us know in this thread 

 

 

[JohnS]

Is it the ultimate irony to state that a cigar which is colloquially known for being somewhat fairly unreliable, construction-wise, would be one of the most found in enthusiasts' humidors?

[Habanoschris]

For me, I have had some good No. 4. But my best few PLPC were more standout than my best few Monte No. 4. Would have to take a 50 cab of PLPC over a box of no. 4 at this point. Value wise, there are other PC to consider such as the RG PC or SP Non Plus for ex. & probably more interesting too. 

[griller]

2 hours ago, Habanoschris said:

For me, I have had some good No. 4. But my best few PLPC were more standout than my best few Monte No. 4. Would have to take a 50 cab of PLPC over a box of no. 4 at this point. Value wise, there are other PC to consider such as the RG PC or SP Non Plus for ex. & probably more interesting too. 

I pretty much mirror these thoughts but have to admit there is a box of Monte #4 in my humidor but just a few singles of PLPCs at the moment with no plan to change that dynamic anytime soon. What drives me to the Monte #4 is the aging dynamic. They can be magical when "on" and can encompass what defines a Cuban cigar in a small package.

 

[BG318]

Consistency issues, for sure. High ceilings followed by exasperating throw it straight in the bonfire lows. So much so that you wind up "cheating" on them with an NC or two. But, come judgement day, should you make it through the pearly gates, they'll be served every morning with a perfect espresso around 9 AM. They won't be plugged or underfilled but be the chocolate bombs you always thought they could be.

[Habanoschris]

9 hours ago, griller said:

I pretty much mirror these thoughts but have to admit there is a box of Monte #4 in my humidor 

Me too 🤣 (currently being smothered by the no. 5)  

[Lucas Buck]

Used to be a favorite alongside its big brother #3 but they are just too inconsistent. Every great one seems to be followed by 2-3 meh ones. They are now pretty far down the list of PCs for me. Still I will always have a few boxes because they can be bangers and with 20-30 years age they can be one of the best cigars you’ve ever smoked. I often give one of these and a PLPC to new smokers or new to Cuban cigar smokers and have yet to have one prefer the M4. 

[SCgarman]

Doubled the price? Surely that must be a joke. I was buying boxes of these for $148usd prior to the price reset. What are they now? $450/box. Great cigar. No longer humidor worthy, even if you include the gratuity of a Havana prostitute. 😁

[JPark3]

19 hours ago, griller said:

They can be magical when "on" and can encompass what defines a Cuban cigar in a small package.

I share this opinion, and really for the marca as a whole. When they're on, they're tough to beat. 

[Mike Mecklenburg]

I went 7-10 on all categories except "Construction Reliable" which I gave a 4-6 (too many tight-rolled 5-packs).  I still love the classic Monte flavors that keeps me buying them.

[NeoGeo]

I always keep some on hand, but maybe for nostalgia purposes. I'm hoping to find a newer box that delivers as well as pre-2016ish. But similar to Mike above, the construction just doesn't seem to be as good as it can be for sure. On the flip side, PLPC ages so gracefully they're hard to top for me and so I keep much more around (also doesn't hurt they come in a 50 cab). I haven't had any fresh PLPC, but even 2022 have fairly consistent construction (although admittedly, have only tried a few as they are sitting and growing a bit older). 

 

[riderpride]

This is a tough one to rate for me. Pre '20 I would have pitched 30% of the ones I smoked for flavour and construction issues - but what a turnaround in the last 4 years or so. They're back to being a benchmark stick from an also-ran. Ymmv.

Cheers!

[Ford2112]

Smoked a good one recently. I will always hunt these down when the situation arises. Consistent? No. Value? Not really. Special place in my heart? Absolutely! When they are on they are among the best of the PC. 

[yuppie]

Are these just a longer No. 5?

[Redgoldband]

#4 was one of my introductory sticks to the Montecristo marca. I was fortunate to go on a solid 3-stick run of these that had this cinnamon, chocolate, twang thing going on. Got a recent batch that isn’t quite on yet. #4 is in play, but not necessarily what I’m rushing to grab from the humidor.


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[Ford2112]

3 hours ago, yuppie said:

Are these just a longer No. 5?

I don't know about blend but I will say the 5 packs a bit more Punch. 

[NeoGeo]

5 hours ago, riderpride said:

This is a tough one to rate for me. Pre '20 I would have pitched 30% of the ones I smoked for flavour and construction issues - but what a turnaround in the last 4 years or so. They're back to being a benchmark stick from an also-ran. Ymmv.

Cheers!

That's good to know...I'll have to revisit a few from current years. I found the construction issues to be much better in about 10 years back and older, while the newer ones (2022ish) I've tried have been very inconsistent. Bad luck of the draw, I guess.

[Gubbins]

Can be great with age. Sometimes a bit rugged young. Slightly inconsistent for me, but not to the point where I would single them out in that regard.

The issue for me is the price on them now.

[joeypots]

Construction is all over the place with the MC#4. It can be great but the inconsistency is the worst of any Cuban cigar I’m familiar with. I’ll take a BPC or a PLPC over the MC#4. At current prices I don’t see much value in the Cuban PCs.