YFRS: Montecristo No. 2 PUT JUN 06

[Sandman]

Nice review. These 06 Monte #2's are smoking nicely.

[El Presidente]

Excellent review. Could you comment at all on how your 06 Monte compared to 04/05? I found them to be an improvement (significant) and wondered if you have found the same.

[mr.harten]

» Excellent review. Could you comment at all on how your 06 Monte compared to

» 04/05? I found them to be an improvement (significant) and wondered if you

» have found the same.

Best I can recall (I have only had one or two 2004-2005 Monte No. 2s) they were similar in taste profile just much more muted/subdued in the flavor area. Not sure if that makes sense. I guess another way of putting it is that the 04/05s I smoked had less promise for the future. Sorry I wish I had more experience with pre 06 No. 2s.

In other words I agree with your assessment. :-D

[habanablue]

What is that cigar box thingy in the background on the table? looks like a cigar box converted into an ashtray. Close up pic please...very cool if it is...

oh yeah nice review!

[aavkk]

Yeh I was wondering the same thing. Is that the almost unatainable forbidden X label I see on the front of it.

[shrink]

» Excellent review. Could you comment at all on how your 06 Monte compared to

» 04/05? I found them to be an improvement (significant) and wondered if you

» have found the same.

Thanks for the review, Harten. Yeah, the '06s have surpassed most of the '04 and '05 No. 2's I've smoked, but...

A DEC04 box that Lisa talked me into ("the wrappers are dark and oily, love!) are really starting to come around. Lots of creamy, bittersweet coffee and cocoa.

[mr.harten]

» What is that cigar box thingy in the background on the table? looks like a

» cigar box converted into an ashtray. Close up pic please...very cool if it

» is...

»

» oh yeah nice review!

That is a wooden ashtray custom made by a guy on another board. Not sure if he still makes them or not as I have not been on touch with him for some while. I sent him several labels (all Fuente) and had him varnish them into the sides. I will take some close ups tomorrow and post them in this thread.

[aavkk]

sounds great, thanks. Also, if you wouldnt mind sending me an email with his email address I would love to see if he could do something similar for me. I have an idea which I would like to run past him for an ashtray. Thanks in advance!

Alan Firth

[mr.harten]

» sounds great, thanks. Also, if you wouldnt mind sending me an email with

» his email address I would love to see if he could do something similar for

» me. I have an idea which I would like to run past him for an ashtray.

» Thanks in advance!

»

» Alan Firth

I just sent him a PM although he hasn't visited the forum in question since April. If he "okays" me sharing his contact info I will forward on to you.

[marco polo]

Thanks for the pics ! :-)

[56Tweed]

Great review on a great cigar. I think the '06 Monte #2s are destined to be a classic!

[mr.harten]

Smoked this one for a post on another forum and decided to go ahead and add it here as well.

Montecristo No. 2 PUT JUN 06

Classic soft brown color I tend to associate with the Montecristo marque. A few notable veins detract from it's appearance as well as a cap that is notably several shades darker than the main wrapper. Consistently firm with an ever so slight box press.

Great draw producing more than ample smoke. The burn is a bit uneven at times but never requires any touching up and the ash is firm but a bit flaky.

Pre-light aroma is cedar and wheat and the scent at the foot is cocoa. Rich tobacco flavors right out of the gate.

1st 1/3 black tea and cream with a hint of woodiness and the classic Montecristo twang. Very leathery mouth feel.

2nd 1/3 core remains the same and bittersweet cocoa notes appear. Very creamy and balanced.

Final 1/3 demonstrates an increase in richness and nicotine punch. The rich tobacco flavor returns and a subtle grassiness creeps into the mix.

Overall impression is inline with expectations yet a tad muted but with tons of promise and should continue to improve with age.

85/4