Montecristo #2 USE JUL 08

[Ellery]

So today, after a week long spell of cold weather, I awoke to find that it was going to be in the mid-70s. Excited, I went into the humidor and grabbed a Monte 2. I have never smoked one of these, and was very excited.

Construction-The wrapper was a bit darker than claro, slight sheen with a velvety feel to it. Firm to touch, with no soft spots. Minimal veins. Smelled of faint cedar/tobacco.

Prelight draw-again faint cedar/hay

1st 1/3: After lighting, I was overwhelmed with the numerous flavors. I was getting some hay, dry wood, some mint/spice. The aroma was a fantastic floral scent. Great amounts of bluish smoke. Draw was excellent.

2nd 1/3: Earthiness coming through with hints of cedar and tobacco. The burn was slightly off.

Last 1/3:Tobacco flavors really at the forefront, and towards the end of it some hints of chocolate. Burn has not corrected, and had to retouch a couple of times. Finish on the palate was smooth, minty, and tasty for a lack of a better word...very enjoyable.

Overall: I was expecting more of a chocolate/espresso flavor from what I have read, and what others have told me. But overall, I thought it was a good cigar. I smoked this cigar in about an hour, so maybe I didn't give the flavors a real chance to develop. And besides the burn issue, this cigar smoked well.

89/100

[thechenman]

Ellery...

Thanks for the review. The M2s are one of my favorites, probably along with a million plus other people. Sorry to hear the smoke didn't really develop for you. That coffee flavor you get is one of the reasons I love this cigar. I hope the next one is better.

[Erm310mce]

Hi,

Great review! I agree with thechenman, one of my favorites as well. I had one last night that was exceptional, finished with the toothpick and took me about 1.5 hours. I hope the next one is better for you too!

Erm

[Colt45]

Thanks for the review. I think that if you give these some time to integrate and mature, you might find that they will have a more

defined flavor profile. They sound pretty good right now.

[Ellery]

Yeah, I'll wait another a little bit before exploring them again.