Monte No. 4

[sepp]

Montecristo No. 4 UTA NOV 07

This is a first time review. So go gentle on me… lol

Construction is tight and this is a solid little cigar with the classic box press stature. This cigar feels substantial in my fingers with no apparent soft spots. The wrapper is milk chocolaty brown with a well constructed triple cap. The cut is perfect, just through the second cap revealing the hollowed dimple that has been present on all of the sticks in this box so far.

Pre light draw is a bit tight but nothing that worries me as the stick was dry boxed for 24 hours after continuous storage at 65%. The pre light taste is nothing but pure tobacco and a slight hint of cocoa (I think).

The cigar takes to the flame easily and lights with out a hitch. As I take my first draw our 6 month old Lab-Berner mix jumps on my back and (hack, hack) well let’s just say this is no way to start. “Sasha back in the house!”

The first draw is clean tobacco taste on my tongue and lips. It starts out rather mild (it is a Monte) and I detect absolutely no harshness in what should be a young cigar. Throughout the first third the cigar teeters on the edge of producing that mouthful of smoke that leaves that remarkable oily texture on my palate, it’s just not there yet.

Into the second half of this stick I have let my mind wander to thoughts on what it is I enjoy about good cigars. It is the thick blanket of sensuous smoke that leaves a palpable oily texture on my palate. The real good ones leave this taste/texture for quite a period of time after putting a nub down. As I take another drink of a quad shot latte I realize that the No. 4 is starting to deliver just that experience. I think I babied the first third and never let it get heated up!

While this No. 4 does not deliver that distinctive and impressive flavor changes, as the smoke progresses it does start to intensify with the flavors it does deliver. Earthy, leather is what comes to mind. Just as I think that it will finish as it started the No. 4 goes a bit sweet on me entering the final third. The textures and smoke intensify and finally I let the nub go out.

What I realize after taking the time to analyze this smoke is that I do not yet have my taste buds developed to detect the subtleties that CCs deliver. But, that is Ok because I can still enjoy what it is I have found I like, I just don’t describe it with the depth others can detect.

For me today I can detect harsh and pleasant smoke, strong and mild flavors, oily and dry textures, bitter and sweet tastes, earth/loamy and leather aromas/tastes. For now, until I learn a bit more this is as deep as I can get.

Unsophisticated rating: 4/5, 88/100

PS anyone able to tell me what the tannins taste like in a young cigar that indicates it may age wonderfully?

sepp

[zuma]

Nice review mate!

Your review reminds me of the state of my JUL 06 Monte 4s about a year ago...

A high level of tannins can give a bitter taste, but in moderate concentrations the taste can be akin to strong back tea or even unripe bananas... IMHO, the presence of tannins does not guarantee that a cigar will become stellar in the future.

[El Presidente]

Well done Sepp

If you have a little time review another in a week or so but this time dry box it for a few days. You may be amazed at the difference in what the Monte 4 delivers and how the flavour profile has altered.