Review Notes: This cigar came from a SEP05 box, which I recently purchased via Hong Kong. It was a very nice looking stick, but not exquisite. Construction was suprisingly good, despite the horror stories I had heard about recent batches of Monte #2's. Prelight it had a very sweet aroma, almost nauseatingly so. The smoke starts out great from the first puff. I normally don't enjoy most cigars until several draws in, but this was tasty right from the get-go. I immediately noticed the richness of the thick smoke -- richness that only comes from top-notch tobacco. I haven't smoked many Cubans, but the first 3rd of this one tasted a lot like a H. Upmann(Cuba) Lonsdale I had a few weeks back--very mild, creamy, and smooth. If I had to pick a weakness of this cigar, it would be the middle third, where the experience seemed to stall a bit, before picking up steam for the spicy finish. Overall, this cigar makes it into my top 5 easily, especially at the price I got them. US$231 for a box of 25! This one was great out of the box but I can't wait to see how well the other 24 age!

Review Notes: That unreal Cuban taste. Draw is a tad tight but not so much that it distracts from the smoke. My new favorite.

Review Notes: This Monte had the best flavors I have had in any Monte besides the ELs. A sweet prelight flavor, an easy draw with lots of smoke and a perfect razor sharp burn. The flavors were a mix of nuts and cocoa with a relatively flat finish. Not as spicy as some of the Montes I've had but the creaminess didn't detract from the smoke in any way.

Review Notes: This is my first Monte and the cigar is just beautiful. The aroma was pleasantly reminding me of a slight leathery scent. The pre-light draw was a tad tight but still very workable. Lighting the foot was unremarkable. The cigar settled nicely after a few puffs. The draw was flat with a cocoa finish. It really never changed and I must admit I was disappointed. I threw away the cigar with more than a third left. I hope a little rest will change this for the short term satisfaction with the rest of the box destined for a year or more aging for long term bliss. Anyone else have this experience? I don't have the box code handy otherwise. I'll post it. I think its Oct 05 but don't quoute me. I pulled the trigger too soon on my first stick.

Review Notes: SO RICH AND FLAVORFUL, ONLY HAD 2 OUT OF A BOX THAT HAD TIGHT DRAWS, REST WERE GOOD TO GO! WORTH EVERY PENNY FOR TASTES THAN ARE OUT OF THIS WORLD.