I recently got my hands on a few Montecristo No. 2's from the forbidden island. This is my review. Keep in mind that this was done with only about 2 weeks of age on the stick. Which means they were sitting in a warehouse in Cuba less than a month ago. Not the ideal conditions for bringing out the true essence of the cigar. But oh well. I couldn't wait to try one.
Appearance: Ugly. If this thing didn't have the reputation preceding it I would have never thought that this is one of the best stogies in the world. In fact there was a crack at the foot, lots of blemishes and a slightly crooked tilt. There was even a soft spot where your index finger naturally holds it when puffing. Interesting, is this really one of the best smokes in the world?
Flavor Profile: Great flavors off the bat. Marshmellow flavor, kind of tasted like honey nut cherrios. No spice, but a touch of herb, possibly anise. As the first third closed, its become distinctly less pronounced flavors. I'm getting cedar and creaminess in the second third. No spice until after I knocked the 2 inch ash off. I'm wondering what this would taste like after 3-6 months of age!
Burn/Construction: Killer construction on this one. The ash is going strong at 1.5 inches... not sure its ever gonna fall, but i'm thinking of knocking the ash down to reveal something more harsh. Again, the stick got very mild and I'm wondering if the huge ash is muting the flavors. As far as the draw is concerned - the first third was really lose. Its starting to tighten up a bit and thats helping the palate savor the flavors. Lots and lots of smoke coming off of this guy. The burn has been 100% even after it corrected itself. Very pleased so far.
Overall:I've been smoking powerful Dominican and Nicaraguan sticks lately (okay, do I really have a choice?). These tend to cater to American palate, with very pronounced flavor, spice and size variables. I know Americans need things super sized and salty or sweet when it comes to the mouth. However, the Cuban experience that I am getting through this cigar is very complex, sophisticated and nuanced. The overall body is mild, but creamy would be the best way to describe the smoke. The flavors don't bonk you over the head the way the "American market" sticks do. Neither does the nicotine kic. I'm really digging it. When I mention complexity, I can really say that I'm getting the honey nut cherrior flavor from a Cabiguan, the saltiness from a Cubao and the creaminess of a Romey Y Julieta. I don't have a bad taste in my mouth afterwards, this is a clean cigar. I can't imagine what this will taste like after a few months of aging. So glad I have 3 more to try out.
I'm giving this stogie 4.5 out of 5 stars, with the big disclaimer that my rating could go higher after some aging.
