AJ Fernandez is on a roll, and his new partnership with cigarmaking giant Altadis USA has already netted at least one stellar smoke, H. Upmann by AJ Fernandez which we just reviewed—and recommended highly. Now here's a new take on another old brand with a three-country blend that practically mirrors the Upmann: Ecuador wrapper, Nicaraguan binder and Nicaraguan and Dominican filler. The price is higher, but Montecristos have always been sold at a premium. So for a few bucks more, is this a few ticks better?
It's good looking, with a very oily wrapper and a few veins and imperfections. The attractive box press and cocoa-hued wrapper give it all the appeal of a luxurious, gourmet chocolate bar. The Montecristo name and logo have an aura of class all by themselves, but on this particular product, add to the overall effect that this is a cigar worthy of its (elevated, but still reasonable) price point.
Lighting up, the draw is ever so slightly firm. That's not necessarily a flaw and indeed it may be that way intentionally. It limits smoke production a little, but on the other hand, we can picture this thing burning too fast and hot were the draw as open as, say, a larger gauge Padron 1926, which is utterly effortless but requires vigilance to keep it from overheating and smoking too quickly. The burn is just about perfect, which is a feat considering the oily wrapper.
While the flavors are big and bold, it just doesn't coat the palate quite like the Upmann Fernandez does. Also, the flavors tend to hit all at once and then fade more quickly, where the Upmann has a more gradual and satisfying finish. As you'd expect from the appearance, it's got chocolate and coffee up front, with a touch of leather and some graham cracker character. It's medium-full in body and ramps up slightly toward the end, gaining some of the intensity we wished for right at the start. You can feel the Altadis influence in this blend, because it feels like they started off at a 9 and then dialed it back to a 7.5 fearing it might be too bold and characterful to appeal to the upper echelon of the masses. (Well, anyway, the masses who spend $10+ on a super premium cigar which is a minority of cigar smokers.) If you're expecting full-throttle AJ flair, you might be better off selecting something from his own line instead. (May we recommend the new-ish San Lotano Requiem Habano? Review coming soon!)
In the end, much as we hate to keep comparing it to the Upmann, it's inevitable. The Monte just isn't as easy to enjoy and costs more. That being said, it's richer and fuller-bodied and will be more likely to appeal to folks who like Opus X, VSG, Padron Anniversary and the like and may be looking for a more everyday alternative. So, depending on your individual tastes, you may prefer this to the Upmann. Either way, the Altadis-Fernandez collabo is an exciting one that has produced encouraging results so far. We can't wait for more releases from this duo of highly experienced and innovative cigar manufacturers.
In the end, much as we hate to keep comparing it to the Upmann, it's inevitable. The Monte just isn't as easy to enjoy and costs more. That being said, it's richer and fuller-bodied and will be more likely to appeal to folks who like Opus X, VSG, Padron Anniversary and the like and may be looking for a more everyday alternative. So, depending on your individual tastes, you may prefer this to the Upmann. Either way, the Altadis-Fernandez collabo is an exciting one that has produced encouraging results so far. We can't wait for more releases from this duo of highly experienced and innovative cigar manufacturers.
THE DETAILS 6.x55 Nicaragua W: Ecuador B: Nicaragua F: Nicaragua, Dominican Republic $11.44 | THE HIGHLIGHTS Great looking, chocolate-bar appearance. Slightly firm draw. Big flavors but rather upfront and with a short finish. Medium-full bodied. Could use more character and intensity. | THE VERDICT CLASSIC EXCELLENT VERY GOOD GOOD ---------------------- SMOKE/HOLD |
RSS Feed
