A beautiful dark milk chocolate colored wrapper with a couple prominent veins. The wrapper does have a little mottling, making one of the seams not covered by a band visible. The seams are tightly wrapped with the exception of a small portion of the cap. The mostly matte finish wrapper leaf appears to be soaked in oil(yes that's a good thing). The filler is well packed with no apparent soft spots. The bands are very attractive with great contrasting colors.
Aroma
Earthy, sweet on the wrapper. Earth, cedar and sweetness with a faint hint of spice at the foot.
Prelight Draw
Earthy, spicy, cedar and dried red fruit.
1st
The initial draws bring notes of earthy cedar and spiced espresso. The draw is just a tiny bit snug but I'm confident it will open up. The burn is mostly straight with a slight wave. The ash is light gray and mostly tight. At the 1 1/2" point the draw opens up nicely. Strength is at medium+ already.
2nd
After removing the ash and inspecting the working end I notice the Ligero cone is off center causing the uneven burn. Smoke production is in the medium range. The finish is long with notes of earth, cedar, red fruity sweetness, espresso and a nutmeg/warm cinnamon spice. The burn line is self correcting as the cone gets closer to center where it belongs. Dark chocolate notes join the profile. Strength moves to med/full.
Final/3rd
Rolling into the final/3rd there are creamy cashew notes joining the profile. Now that the cone is dead center the burn is spot on and the smoke production picks up to the low end of high. Strength is at full. Great flavor right to the nub.
Overall
The Monte by Montecristo and AJ Fernandez provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A very flavorful profile with nice complexity. Finally a non Cuban Montecristo that I enjoy.
No comments:
Post a Comment