Montecristo No. 4

Overall Score

1 review for Montecristo No. 4

  1. Simon

    Montecristo No. 4

    Origin : CubaMontecristo
    Format : Petit Corona (Mareva)
    Size : 129 x 16.67 mm (5 x 42)
    Ring : 42
    Hand-Made
    Price : ~$6 each

    After exchanging a few words with Inspector, I decided to review a few cigars that were not hard to find or discontinued. Of course, I decided to start with the most popular cigar in the Habanos S.A catalogue and that is the Montecristo No 4. A friend of mine had just given me one from a box that was “on” so I figured it was a perfect timing.

    Appearance : [rating:3/5]
    This is an average looking stick. The wrapper is Colorado and there are very few veins in it. There isn’t any oil or shine on this particular sample. Although it is nice to see a cigar with these characteristics, it doesn’t imply it will be exceptional.

    Montecristo No. 4

    Construction : [rating:4/5]
    The construction is on par with the popularity of this cigar. Well made, a little firm but not too much. The foot seems a little loose but that could be from transportation.

    I punched it with a tiny punch cutter and the draw is stellar.

    Flavor : [rating:4.5/5]
    This cigar has a strong Cuban tobacco taste at cold.

    1st third
    The cigar is producing a good amount of pungent smoke. There is a slight grass taste to this smooth and lush smoke. When my friend said they were on, he wasn’t lying; these aren’t your typical Montecristo 4’s. This one is a light medium body, has a sweet type of taste, like a salty caramel. And it is excellent. The end of the first third’s taste is turning to a sweet cherry.

    2nd third
    We continue with the same sweetness lingering in the back and it is followed by toast flavours. The body is going over light medium to medium. The aftertaste is impeccable. It leaves a satisfying sweet salty caramel taste. The burn is a bit all over the place. I need to correct it but I don’t mind. This cigar is giving me so much that I can’t complain.

    3rd third
    There are some ins and outs of mushrooms. That is surprising but the flavour is clear and defined. First time I get something like this. It has slowed down and is back to light medium body. At the very end, I get the cherry flavour back in again for a classy finish. This is a cigar you want to smoke all the way until the end. There is a nicotine rush right before I let it die in the ashtray.

    Value : [rating:3/5]
    Well if every box would be filled with great cigars like this one I would have rated this one 5 stars but they are well known for their roller coaster quality. Once you spot a box that is “on”, jump on it.

    Overall Rating : [rating:4/5]
    This was the best Montecristo 4 I have ever had. Once you try one of these and they are at their best, you can see why these have such a cult following. I wish this example was long like a double corona but, like every great cigar, they always finish too quickly.

    Helpful?
    0 0
    • Ursicles

      The MC4 is my go to cigar when safety is needed.

      Combined with a glass of Kahlua and ice – perfect evening.

    • Rob P

      No.4’s I have had have been consistent/good with a great wood/coffee taste. Not a great smoke, but one that is usually enjoyable in this format.

    • Raj Mahbubani

      Hi there..suggest pairing the Monte 4 with Johnny Black..made for each other.

    • Ogus

      I should say they were close to $5

    • Ogus

      Have to agree. Tried a broad selection of cigars, RE’s, LE’s and the most consistent, pleasing value in cigars 2014 was my box of Montie 4. Spicy Mochachino, great burn and duration. $4 a piece- amazing.

    • Stonedpirate

      Just finished a box of these. Best cigar ever. 2 more boxes on the way and i can only hope they are as good as the last box. Honey roasted nuts with spice. Outstanding

    • Guillermo

      Hi,

      An excellent smoke. Better than other Cubans of similar size, with a reliable draw. The earthy taste can be combined with an undertone of coffee. Occasionally (Jun 08) there is a heavy oaky aftertaste which can be overwhelming. An excellent Cuban choice overall.

      Best regards

    • StevenSauce

      I’ve read so much about the inconsistency in Montecristos and especially the No 4 but i’ve never had a bad MC so far. The No 4 represents the best value of all Montes, probably of all cubans, 8 euros for a 45min smoke. Classic Montecristo flavors: sweet, coffee, chocolate, bit of anise, caramel. very smooth, balanced, medium body, can be smoked to the nub.

    • Simon

      Hi Manuel,

      I haven’t had the chance to try the pre 08 Monte 4 but I will try to locate one. I would love to do a vertical tasting with them
      Thanks for your insight. I am traveling to Spain next year and I have many Estancos to visit, if you have any tips or best place to buy for me, please do so!

      Buen Humo mi amigo!

    • manuel

      Simon, it’s a pleasure to read about the Monte 4, my every day cigar. To enhance on the irregularities of this outstanding cigar, I have gone through seven boxes this morning on my local estanco in Madrid before finding a reasonably acceptable optical approval on one of them. They were may 06 june 06 july 06 june 07 boxes from what I can recall. As I wrote in another review of the Monte 4, I wouldn’t buy a box without at least an eye review and even if you have the chance, you simply have to feel how they have been” torcidos”, because some are hard as a rock. But as you say it is a great cigar and I have been smoking it for the last thirty years. I can remember when all the boxes were simply just great.
      I cannot picture the cigar world without the vitolas marevas and coronas as they have been the base. But I suppose I will have to get used to it as they are disappearing right before my eyes.
      From the close up picture of the cigar I can see it’s a post 08 cigar from the vitola which is slightly embossed as well. I have experienced a more stable quality standard in these later year productions although I feel there has been certain changes in the taste. Maybe a little more pungent, using your terminology, and yes maybe a little bit lighter. I myself would always categorize this cigar as a medium to strong cigar but possibly they are softening it and I just haven’t felt it.
      Wonderful review. All those sensations are in a Montecristo numero 4.
      My best regards from Madrid

    • Jmorena

      Great cigar. Name a better PC.

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Cigar Region Cuba
Filler Cuban
Wrapper Cuba
Binder Cuba
Length 5
Ring Gauge 42
Vitola Petit Corona
Construction Hand Made