Montecristo Especial \'98

[Roy R. Frush]

I was gifted this cigar by a generous brother on another forum. Great looking cigar. Wrapper was very light, almost candela.

Prelight draw was excellent with a clean tobacco taste.

Initial draws were laced with pepper, but incredibly smooth. Terrific smoke production.

It was another windy day in Manhattan--perhaps the tropical storms/hurricanes to the south were responsible. Despite the stiff breeze, this cigar burned superbly.

It's always a treat to observe how great a well aged cigar burns. The filler, binder and wrapper have all had time to come into harmony and burn with a perfectly flat coal.

The early pepperiness quickly subsided and the first third was quite delicate, so I periodically stepped into the stairwell to allow the smoke to linger a bit. Light creamy cocoa was the predominant flavor.

In the second third, the flavors picked up intensity. The cocoa had developed into a full on espresso attack. Occasionally I picked up

hints of almond. As it progressed, there were notes of anise. Nasal expulsion revealed faint floral and fruit aromas.

The final third really developed into a meaty, leathery powerhouse. The espresso remained. Despite the crescendo in flavors and intensity, this cigar always seemed in balance and maintained its smoothness.

This was a terrific smoke that I took down to the nub. Thanks,David!

95/100

[Tampa1257]

The Montecristo Especial No.1 with its Gingerbread quality, rich mocha, leather and earthy flavors is in my opinion one of the finest Habanos available and should be a standard in everybodies humidor.:-D