7/13/2014
Cigar: Montecristo White Label
Size: Toro, 6.0”x54
MSRP: $10.65
Strength: Medium
Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut
Origin: Dominican Republic
Prelight: A very light colored, smooth wrapper gives this cigar a classic look. There is a mild, woody scent coming off the wrapper, while the densely packed foot has a much more prominent wood scent. The cap is very well made, and after a punch, the cold draw is woody, with a hint of chocolate.
1/3: The Montecristo starts out with just the slightest hint of pepper, with a heavy dose of cream. As the first third progresses, so does the flavor, adding earth and cedar, while the pepper grows and fades in waves. The burn is straight and cool.
2/3: The cedar ramps up as well as the pepper, creating a spicy and sweet, creamy wood flavor profile. It’s quite delicious. The ash is impressive, hanging on for about an inch and a half each time. Towards the transition to the final third, earthiness comes back as well as a hint of coffee.
3/3: Everything but cedar has faded away. Then, the cedar flavor evolves into a charred wood taste, and kind of ruins it for me. The rest of the cigar was so good, I’m not digging this new flavor that has sprouted up.
Overall: This is a really good cigar, but the final third and MSRP is hard to swallow. If this was in the $5 range, I’d definitely buy these regularly. Unfortunately for Montecristo, there are many just as good, if not better, cigars out there for less money.