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Posted

This cigar, and it's longer sibling, the Esp No 1, have benefitted from the improved, and aged tobaccos used in Montecristos from late '05 on. (most people assume that this began in January 2006, but there is ample evidence otherwise). I have a box of MAR06 No 1's that are also surprisingly approachable, but I plan on aging them for a couple more years at least.

A most desireable cigar!

Posted

My MC Esp #2 on Saturday was amazing. I did have to relight twice but it was pretty much to the T of what you described. Mine was from March 2004. I might order another box to put to rest for the next 5-10 years.

-Patrick

Posted

You are reading my mind, this is one cigar I have never had, I love the Especial #1 but often don't have the time to get through one.

I will stock up on these next time you include them in a special!

Posted

» I will stock up on these next time you include them in a special!

I hereby appoint the Professor as my trade representative!

  • 11 months later...
Posted

Montecrist Especial No 2 NRG DIC 05

Patrick reviewed an 04 example of this cigar a few days ago and his review had me intrigued enough to do a follow up review on the NOV 05 examples I currently hold.

Came into the office this morning and found Lise wearing a brightly coloured blouse that reminded me of my camouflage shirts I use in Arnhemland boar hunting. My “GI Jane Day honey?”

comment went down like a brick so I retreated quickly to the humidor where I selected a Montecristo Especial No 2 to have with my morning coffee as I run through my e-mails.

The wrapper was veiny (yes…I know it is not a word) and there were some large green blotches on the foot but the aroma at cold was all sweet cocoa. Construction felt fine as I ran my fingers from cap to foot and back again. “Why is it I don’t reach for these more often “ I asked myself before I remembered the countless boxes during 99/01/02 which were plugged and ultimately disappointing. Too many of my 03's were cardboard like and lacking flavour.

I like this Laguito No 2 size with its 38 ring gauge. Perfect for a relaxed morning read of the paper and a few cups of fresh brewed coffee.

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Serrated and flicked the little pig tail cap and came across a delightful draw requiring the slightest pull. Sweet tobacco on the lips gave me pause to entertain a great cigar experience but I tempered my enthusiasm as excuse the pun……I have been burnt before

Gently torched the foot and Especial No 2 came to life in the most elegant manner delivering an opening burst of rich tobacco, coffee and cream all wrapped in a medium body. The cigar screamed “Montecristo” and I ignored the first downloads of Viagra e-mails (50 for $20!!!) as I concentrated on the dense flavours coating my tongue. Well into the first inch and the cigar reminds me so much of a Tiramisu dessert (sponge finger biscuits, espresso coffee, mascarpone cheese, eggs, cream, sugar, Marsala wine, cocoa etc). Body still medium and the cigar has settled into a nice rhythm which shows no sign of changing.

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This really is a cracker of a cigar! Halfway through and the complex profile has not changed greatly. A little more woodiness showing through but essentially biscuit, cream, cocoa, toasted tobacco. Very nice sweet cocoa/tobacco aroma which is commented on by Diana. The burn is good with a nice grey/black ash which holds to an inch before the inevitable tumble.

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The final third really is a straight progression of the second. There is a hell of a lot going on in this cigar in terms of flavour so I have no complaints. Ever so slowly the woodiness increases as I reach the end leaving the last inch to finish with a wood, coffee profile with all the sweeter elements waving goodbye. The cigar starts and finishes medium bodied.

In summary an excellent cigar and the best Montecristo Especial No 2 I have had in a hell of a long time. It delivers the unique Montecristo flavour profile in an effortless and complex manner. Its draw and burn are faultless leaving you to immerse yourself in its complexity and elegance. I look forward to trying its larger brother “Especial” later today.

91/100 5/6 Smokerings.

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