selecting the right monte or upmann

[sptcigars]

I know El Pres or some of the other habano experienced can help me with this question. I have been considering my next purchase and want it to be either the monte edmundo or the upmann 46. I was talking to a friend of mine about this and he informed my that there is a particular year that I should be looking out for with the edmundo. Now, I don't want to get into the money with the aged stuff but as I recall, he was talking more about the 'ON' factor.

According to my friend the edmundo has had some problems in certains years or maybe with the 05? 06?, I really can't remember.

My question is, when I go for a box of edmundo's, should I asked for the 06, or can I get the 07's. Should I be on the look out to stay away from a certain year? Can I just order without any concern?

How about the Upmann 46. Is the 06 tasting good, looking good, near perfect draws, consistent? What year should I be asking for. Again, with out getting into the aged stuff. Is there a better box than others. I thought I heard that as for the monte's, the no.2's were very problematic at one time. Can someone fill me in on that and make a suggestion as to what I want to look for in the date when buying the number 2 montecristo.

[tigger]

Right off the bat, I would say Mag 46 because I prefer them greatly over the Edmundos I've had in both size and flavor.

It's hard to stay away from the Nov 06 Mag 46s I have. In theory they're way too young to smoke, but I've really enjoyed the few I've smoked from a 50ct cab.

I don't really know anything about good vs. bad years for Edmundos. It does seem to me in a general way that the tobacco that was being used in Habanos rolled last year was very high quality.

[stever]

Have recently purchased some ROA FEB 07 Monte 2s (10 count boxes) from El Prez. Great cigar. Excellent construction, good aroma and a great smoke. Nice creamy coffee flavors with just the right amount of cedar and spice. Perhaps a bit tannic for some right now, but not at all off-putting.

Mind you, I have been accused of being a cigar nubile chaser by some. They should be dynamite in a few years, but they're surprisingly approachable now.

I left it to Rob to make the selection for me. He chose the 10 count boxes on the basis of their quality. Ask him to do the same for you. You won't get steered wrong.

[Ginseng]

Rob won't steer you wrong.

Wilkey

[ksblazer]

»

» How about the Upmann 46. Is the 06 tasting good, looking good, near

» perfect draws, consistent? What year should I be asking for.

Word on the street is that the mid to late 06's are excellent;-)

[Ken Gargett]

there was a lot of debate about the early edmundo's, probably most of it not overly positive. i was in the other camp but may have jagged a terrific box. loved them from day one and recently finished that box. they rarely let you down. i think you'd struggle to go wrong with edmundo's.

on the other hand, my earliest experiences with the 46's left me underwhelmed. i ended up putting four or five single sticks in a humidor and ignoring them for 18 months. then pulled one out when not looking for anything special, just wanted a quick smoke. and was stunned at the transformation. smoked the rest in quick succession and loved them all. grabbed a cabinet immediately. my experiences with the 46's has been just that ever since. first 18 months, you'd wonder why you'd bother; then whacko!

so provided that if you do go with the 46's, that you are prepared to put them aside for the best part of two years, either way you can't lose.

i have no idea of how the prices compare but after that, it then comes down to which flavour profile flicks your switch.

[anacostiakat]

I have very limited experience with the Edmundo.

However, the Mag 46 is a great cigar. I do agree with Ken that they need time and 2 years at a minimum is a necessity. My JUL05s kick ass but I feel they will continue to get better over the next three years. I wish I had more. :-(

[El Presidente]

I agree with the general sentiment.

06 and 07 Edmundo's have been excellent and are approachable (enjoyable) when young.

Magnum 46's have had a chequered few years. Late 06 into 07 have been excellent but will benefit from time put away (2 years +).

Go half a box of each ;-)