Beneath the Band: Montecristo Number 1

[El Presidente]

 

This series 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 

I love a Monte 1. I love a Lonsdale full stop. Monte 1 melds Monte DNA/Class/Complexity beautifully. QC is the greatest challenge. 

Today: Montecristo Number 1. Do you enjoy them? Fresh or aged? If aged...how long before they generally hit their stride.

Let's kick off the discussion 

 

[Li Bai]

I love this cigar, I've never had a bad one.

[JohnS]

Same. Very reliable for me too, both in terms of construction and flavour delivery.

[BG318]

Love this cigar. I know I love them because I don't offer them to anyone, and I like to turn people on to new cigars. Any #1 haters are cordially invited to pass unused boxes to me 

[Chibearsv]

Big fan here. My only knock is they have a fair amount of construction issues, mostly with very tight to plugged draws. The good ones are exceptional

[griller]

2 hours ago, Chibearsv said:

Big fan here. My only knock is they have a fair amount of construction issues, mostly with very tight to plugged draws. The good ones are exceptional

I'm 100% in your corner, too. So depressing when you get a plugged #1. These age beautifully too. 

[qs210]

2 hours ago, Chibearsv said:

Big fan here. My only knock is they have a fair amount of construction issues, mostly with very tight to plugged draws. The good ones are exceptional

Agree on the construction issues. 

[Ford2112]

These are great. I have never gotten a plugged one and I wish I had gotten a few boxes pre Armageddon. 

[Duder]

My favorite Monte. I was a Monte 2 whore for years until I tried the No. 1. They are the classic Monte for my money. The Especial is close. 

[Bada_Bing_NJ]

I found out I really enjoy the #1! The Monte #1 quarter pack from '23 is really aging well. Never had any issues with them so far, only issue is only 1 is left wish I bought a box. 

[joeypots]

They are great cigars, imho. 

[KCCubano]

23 hours ago, Chibearsv said:

Big fan here. My only knock is they have a fair amount of construction issues, mostly with very tight to plugged draws. The good ones are exceptional

Agree 100%. I have had several boxes with issues over the years including an entire box of plugs. When on, they are superb.

[Adisaputra]

Love Monte 1. When it’s fresh, lots of chocolate and cacao. I recently visited my 2018 Monte 1, less pronounced in the cacao and chocolate thing, more mellowed with touch of different sweetness, something like honey but subtle. This is one of few cigars that I do not mind smoking fresh, with a different profile than the aged one. 

[Connoisseur Kim]

As a fan of classic Cuban skinnies, Monte 1 is always one of my favourite CCs, and I can't really imagine my CC stash without this tasty Cervantes sized Lonsdale. It offers rich and complex flavors without breaking my jaw, and it lasts 2hr+ which is +1 for me.