Montecristo C Limited Edition 2003 Cigar - 1 Single

Ref # 3204 Flavour: Medium - Full
Length: 5 5/8"
Ring Gauge: 46 ring gauge
Vintage: 2003
Packaging: Single Cigar

Tasting Notes:Montecristo C Limited Edition 2003 5 5/8" x 46 ring gauge - single cigar

Reviewed by Joe Gellman (8th May 2004)

Montecristo "C" Edicion Limitada 2003 - Every once and a while the Montecristo brand hits on a winner. The 2003 Edicion Limitada "C" is one of those times. At 5 5/8 x 46, this vitola is just what I like. It is firm, even, rolled to perfection, and a delight to handle. The wrapper is matte, silky to the touch, with some oils already showing. The hue is a definite Maduro, without any blemishes. Before lighting, the cigar has a fresh smell. It lights well, and burns cool at all times.

The cigar never was less than firm, even to the last puff. The ash is a light to medium gray, stays on the body until flicked off, and shows itself to be fully burned. You get everything this cigar has to offer. As with the pre-lighting, this cigar has to be described as "fresh." True, it is young, but still provides you with exactly the blenders sought to produce. It was an unusually overcast day in Los Angeles when I decided to smoke the "C".

I got a cup of dark French roast at the local Coffee Bean, sat by the open fire pit, and lit up. At first I noticed a musky, warm, and slightly toasty flavor. I recalled the day at Alejandro Robaina's farm, when I was handed a dried cocoa berry to suck on. Go ahead and laugh, if you must, but I never pass up a chance to experience new tastes; it certainly helps me in my cigar reviews (I recall referring to saffron and cardamom in a few reviews). In any event, I was reminded of the flavor of that cocoa berry almost from the first puff.

The draw was easy and plenty of satisfying smoke was had with each light puff. Unlike many cigars, the aroma was very pleasant, and nobody around me screamed, held their nose, or moved away.

Before I go on, I must warn the reader of a serious problem with this cigar: it will be sold out before you can stock up! Do so, NOW. There was a very subtle spice to the cigar, nothing pronounced enough to pin a name to, however. There was a hint of warm raspberry about half way through the cigar, but even that was faint. Without doubt, the term "creamy" applies to this cigar. In addition to the above, I noticed a bit of floral undertones to the cigar.

So, what you can expect is a very new twist to the Cuban cigar industry. This is not an in-your-face cigar. Rather, it is a fully enjoyable smoke, with churrigueresque subtleties (yes, that might seem a contradiction, being both subtle and churrigueresque, but there you have it). I was distracted, for a few moments by two of the 'regulars' at the Coffee Bean. One guy was trying to explain how they are producing salmon by farming them, and his solution to the problem of fish food falling to the bottom of the fish beds they are raised in.

The other, Jennifer, a massage therapist (hmm) cum UCLA psychology student, discussing 'problem solving.' Actually, she was more of a distraction. I have a simple suggestion for those of you who will be fortunate to purchase these cigars from Mitchell - try the first one without food or drink. It really is one of those cigars whose enjoyment comes from the smoking experience, alone.

Likewise, I believe you will be able to experience the subtleties of this cigar if you are not distracted by food or drink (by the way, I think Mitchell believes Mojitos are a subcategory of food). The cigar is fresh and has an easy, soft, finish. If Mitchell would send a few more, I would be more than happy to do a review of the cigar every 6 months or so. It is not possible for this cigar to do anything but get better with age.