CRC: Montecristo No.1 TLP FEB 25

[JPark3]

Figured I'd throw a 2025 into the hat. Paired with a cup of Cafe Bustelo with a little sweet foam

Pre-light: Draw was a bit tight so I poked it with my PerfecDraw a couple of times. Would like it to be a tad more loose, but not a deal breaker.

1/3: Flavors were predominantly caramel and milk chocolate, with toasted tobacco/cookie popping up on occasion. Body was mild, taste was mild-medium.

2/3: Milk chocolate and toasted tobacco stays, but the caramel disappeared, unfortunately. Had to touch up the wrapper a little. Body and taste mild-medium

3/3: Caramel reappeared and milk chocolate was still there, but the flavor died down a little. Touched up the wrapper again which brought back the cookie notes. Body and taste mild-medium.

Final thoughts: I really enjoyed the flavors. It wasn't a complex cigar, but that doesn't matter to me at all. Despite the draw being a hair tighter than I would like, it didn't hurt the smoke. Honestly, if the flavors had been more in the medium/medium-full range, I would call it the best cigar I've smoked all year (2020 Edmundo has that spot), and maybe even one of the best I've ever had. Granted, I'm not as experienced with CCs like many of you are, but the creamy chocolate notes are what I live for. If I could get these and RyJ Exhibicion No.4s consistently, they'd be the ones I mindlessly grab every day. Really looking forward to smoking another one in a few months.

[MrBirdman]

Love these. It’s a shame the HQ/PSP program is now defunct since, like most Montecristo, they were easily worth the added coin. 

I’ve found tight draws to be relatively common with these but for me at least it’s usually not too bad. Often clearing up some tightness in the head solves things. 

Thanks for the review!