Reviewed by Ed Warner - (November 2000)
The first cigar was "tested" immediately after receiving them. Very nice wrapper and tight. The initial draw was somewhat easy, easier than I expected. Tastes of caramel with hints of vanilla. Absolutely no bitterness, very little after taste, but loads of flavor. First couple of minutes, waves of mild flavor, then the intensity of the flavor began. Mixed with a flavors from my childhood of cinnamon sticks, the caramel flavor was exquisite. The ash was medium gray. A runner began to develop about half inch down. Definitely over-humidifed, but I expected this; this baby came a long way. One inch down the intensity leveled off. Looks like the runner problem is under control. Popcorn, yes popcorn! That's what I'm tasting. My endorphins just kicked in. (Can't wait for the butter!) Just under a third of the way down this cigar began to mellow and smoke like a well aged Cuban. Very intense flavor; mild to medium body. Nice cigar that started off a little reckless.
September 24, 2000
All right, the second cigar has been in the humidor now for about two weeks. Has a little more oil sheen to it. First five minutes this is very robust and smooth. Strong hints of chocolate. This one has a lighter ash than the first. Burns very even. This is an extremely compelling cigar. About an inch down the flavor has become somewhat woody with that same cinnamon overtones from the first cigar. This cigar has come into its own now, flavor and intensity are very consistent; nothing to do except kick back and enjoy the moment. The cigar is now well past half way, with the same ash! Guess its time to drop it. Two thirds down, the moment is fading. I must say I will miss this one, but definitely look forward to next week and the finale of this trio.
September 30, 2000
Ah, the final installment! This is the third and sadly, the last of the trio I was sent for tasting. This last cigar is just as gorgeous if not more so than the previous two. Wonderfully smooth from the beginning with an aroma that I wish could be put on a scratch-n-sniff card! The flavor of this cigar is one that standards should be set from. The burn of the cigar is straight up along with the medium gray of the ash. In all honesty, I knew this one would be the best of the lot. It has the culmination of flavors if the first two, along with its own characteristics. Hints of a woody taste with strides of toasted bread. It is hard to judge a cigar when one like this is to be enjoyed. Half way through this cigar, it is really hard to find a flaw, but it had one. It went out; discovered a underlap of tobacco that created a hole in the middle of the cigar. Handmade, I love it! Good to the last drop as they say, this was a good cigar. I have truly enjoyed all three but this has to be the best.
Synopsis of all three:
All were box pressed and a tad salty. All exhibited typical cuban construction; smooth wrapper, oily sheen, and that one-of-a-kind aroma! Smoke these after a full lunch or light dinner. These are definitely worth a try. Would I buy them? You bet, without a doubt! I feel, strictly on a personal preference, that 6-12 months in the humidor would bring 10's across the board. Enjoy!
-156.png "Montecristo No. 4 Cigar - Box of 10")
