Monte #1, FKC ABR 04

[PigFish]

It has been awhile since my last review and since I was going on errands yesterday to buy some hay and other staples for the creatures living around my home, I thought it would be nice to pick out a lonsdale for the drive.

Having been disappointed somewhat with the '08 Monte #1 I went looking for a box with a bit more age. It is nice to be able to scrounge around and find a 5 or 10 year old box to pull from and for those of you who are not there yet I can only say that by purchasing more than you smoke when times are good you will be rewarded in more difficult times for your decisions to save less and hoard more!!! -LOL I know I have some yet untouched '01's hanging on somewhere but having stumbled across this open box was fortuitous and as a result I chose to "water the horses here," as they are thirsty now!

I chose for my sample the furthest cigar on the left which appeared to be more of 44 ring than 42 and as a result was rather severely box pressed into a rectangle with opposed convex sides. The leaf was a nice medium colorado with no visual stomata leading me to believe that I was viewing the top of the leaf. The foot yielded a doughy, dank smell not particularly sweet... or was that my boots, hell, I spend some much time around horse **** these days I can't tell the difference anymore?

The cigar resisted my attempts at a first dry draw but I persisted and the cigar opened up considerably as a result of the heat applied. The smoke was ample and so was the traditional Monte beanie flavors. This cigar was rich in aromatics including jasmine, grass, mint and gasoline; a coffee like oil, light in viscosity would cling to my palate. There was a powerful white pepper accompaniment that hinged on overpowering by my standard. Once started the flavors of this cigar only increased in intensity showing me its powerful constitution over its less than colorful personality.

If you are holding these cigars and are willing to endure a roundhouse kick to the jaw these are for you. I enjoyed the cigar very much and would rate it as excellent. This cigar was smoked with plain water as a chaser but would have held up to a heavy ale or powerful liquor. You could have tasted this cigar after a dose of habanero! Thanks for reading. -Piggy

[greenpimp]

Great review Piggy.

I love no LOVE Monte 1s and those look gorgeous. This cigar is on my short list of favorites.

My 06 and 07s, BTW, have been strong and great.

[jeromeroselli]

Have been wanting to buy a box of these and this is the review that I think will push me over the edge.

Thanks for the review

[hoyopr]

Thanks for the review and great shots. You've help me decide on one of the cigars for this weekend, although it will be an 07.

[IceChant]

After reading the review, I must try them I don't know how I didn't done so yet.

[Colt45]