2004 Montecristo No. 2

[shrink]

On the way home last night, I just got a craving for a Monte 2. Haven't had one in a long while. I was looking through the humidor, and saw an '04 box that I hadn't even sampled from. Twenty-five little soldiers. I was reminded of the email I got from Lisa in late '04: "We just got in a shipment of Monte No. 2. They're dark and oily." I thought, "dark and oily, eh? Well, that's not always a good thing. I don't need any more No. 2s, I chuckled. But what the hell...

Well, there they were, and they sure are dark and oily. Like hand-rubbed oiled mahogany. The first one I squeezed was a little soft, so I grabbed another. This one was firm, so I clipped it, and stuck it in my mouth. Hmmm... it had a nice, sweet taste. Nothing harsh. Good draw.

I fired it up, and wow! That was one of the sweetest hits I've ever had from a "just lit" cigar. And I love a sweet smoke. I distinguish several qualities of sweetness in a cigar. Some have a sugary sweetness, which at least tastes natural. Others have an artificial, saccharin-like quality. I really love a smoke with a fruity sweetness, like a well-aged Punch. But the best of all have a honeyed sweetness. I'm thinking of some well-aged Hoyo des Dieux, and Cohiba Coronas Especiale.

This Monte was 'honey-sweet". And along with the honey, there was that rich, bitter spice that only an aged Monte will provide. Bittersweet, they call it. But there was more to come. After a few more draws, the cocoa started to show itself. And then a light, citrus note on the finish. It wasn't a strong cigar, medium-bodied at best. But man, the flavors!

Every draw was like that: first, honey flooding my mouth, with cocoa, and a bittersweet dark chocolate. Then, smooth bitter spices, and a sweet lightly citrus finish. Around and around we went, the Monte and I, until there was nothing left but the nub.

Only twenty-four left to go. I don't expect 'em all to be this good. But some will be, and maybe a few will even be better. I know that these will continue to improve if I leave 'em alone for another year or two. But who am I kidding?

Thanks, Lisa, for tempting me.

[Mindflux]

Wowie. I am envious. I've yet to pick up flavors like that during a stick. I always get woodsy or earthy.. and peppery. But never anything else.

Some day, oh yes.. some day. :-D

[Colt45]

Shrink, sounds great!

[Mikey]

Thanks for the reminder.Those sound delicious.I have a '04 box (Sept.) that's coming up on 2 yrs humi time(time to smoke one...?:-D ).They are really dark if I remember correctly.

[EAbbott]

Very nice reminder. I had a few boxes of 04 #2s, some were dark and some were lighter, both were good I may have a few left and i'm thinking I might hit one this weekend. Thanks for the info.

Eddie

[Spartagas]

I have a November '04 box that I think needs a little more time but, that being said, is still pretty damn good now.

[bassman]

Bob, you got lucky again! My dark wrapper box from mid 04 is only average in flavor. Late 05 & early 06 are the winners for me.

[shrink]

» Bob, you got lucky again! My dark wrapper box from mid 04 is only average

» in flavor. Late 05 & early 06 are the winners for me.

A box of MAR04 were only so-so, and I wasn't impressed by anything else until 2006. I am convinced that Lisa did something to these to make 'em "dark and oily". What could she have dipped 'em in? Chocolate liquor?

[El Presidente]

There have been some stellar boxes of Monte 2 in every shipment. When on song there is no a better Piramide in the world.

Great review Shrink

[anacostiakat]

My SEP04 box have been the best ones I have had so far. Very enjoyable and I tend to be more of an HU #2 fan!

[Claudius]

Thanks for the review, shrink. It reminds me of some very good Montes I've smoked, except that I would never have been able to nail the different flavors down as well as you have done (and often do in your reviews). Thanks a lot!

[wp2]

» There have been some stellar boxes of Monte 2 in every shipment. When on

» song there is no a better Piramide in the world.

»

» Great review Shrink

I agree totally Rob. Excellent review Shrink!