Montecristo Especial AEP MAR06

[Roy R. Frush]

Nicely constructed cigar. This particular example incurred some damage to the wrapper when I transported it somewhat carelessly to a herf some time ago.

Clipped it and noticed a pretty firm draw. There was very little smoke production in the first third, but there was plenty of typical Monte cocoa flavor.

It was quite windy and I needed to perform frequent touch ups to keep the cigar burning evenly. This was a complex cigar, and seemed like an amalgamation of several different marcas. There were notes of toast reminiscent of Upmann, and a nuttiness I've found in some Rafael Gonzalez.

In the second third the draw opened up and I was surprised with intense cooked fruit flavors I associate more with Punch.

Though I had tried to baby this cigar with its damaged wrapper, the brisk wind eventually got under it and a small chunk tore away.

The final third was quite disappointing. Instead of evolving into darker and more intense flavors, the taste just went flat. After a couple more draws with no improvement, I pitched it with about two inches remaining.

Although the flavors went dead, this cigar packed a wallop. Granted I did smoke it on a very empty stomach, but I still wasn't prepared for the bowel movement inducing nicotine rush...

Though it wasn't quite what I associate with Montecristo, if that final third had just maintained what was going on in the 2nd third, this cigar would have rated quite high.

This is the second one from this box I've smoked. The first one was smoked quite fresh about a year ago. I recall being very impressed with the potential after that first sample, which smoked great all the way through. Hopefully this one, with its weak finish, isn't characteristic of what remains in the box.

83/100

[shrink]

I have a box of AEP ABR06, and have sampled a couple to see how they are developing. So far, I've been quite impressed with the potential. Plenty strong, with all the classic Monte flavors. The only problem... too young. I'll continue to enjoy my '99s for now.

Thanks for the review. I like the shots of Manhattan. BTW, when I repeat the name "Roy R. Frush", it begins to sound a lot like a Chinese saying, "Royal Flush"! You aren't an Oriental Poker player, are you? :wink:

[El Presidente]

Thanks for the review Roy.

The Monte Especial is a temperamental woman

Give her a little time, smoke her a little on the dry side (61 Rh) if you are not doing so already.

[Roy R. Frush]

» I have a box of AEP ABR06, and have sampled a couple to see how they are

» developing. So far, I've been quite impressed with the potential. Plenty

» strong, with all the classic Monte flavors. The only problem... too young.

» I'll continue to enjoy my '99s for now.

»

» Thanks for the review. I like the shots of Manhattan. BTW, when I repeat

» the name "Roy R. Frush", it begins to sound a lot like a Chinese saying,

» "Royal Flush"! You aren't an Oriental Poker player, are you? :wink:

LOL, Bob.:-D

Your comments jogged my memory of an old thread...

http://www.friendsofhabanos.com/board_entr...id=29513#p30138

[shrink]

» LOL, Bob.:-D

»

» Your comments jogged my memory of an old thread...

» http://www.friendsofhabanos.com/board_entr...id=29513#p30138

That's him! That's him, alright. The little Japanese guy!

He used to be into karaoke. Famous for his Stevie Wonder cover,

"A Jazz Chord". Now he's into poker. And he wins, too!

I heard him in Las Vegas at the table yelling, "Roy R Frush! Roy R Frush!"