Montecristo No. 5 Comparison Review

Origin : Cuba
Format : Petit Corona (Perla)
Size : 102 x 15.86 mm
Ring : 42
Weight : 5.91 g
Box codes : 01/07, 04/07 & 04/08
Hand-Made
Price : Locally $12.00AUD Per Stick, Online $ 5.00AUD By The Box
More info about purchasing Montecristo cigars...

This review has been done to determine the merit of resting a cigar. It entails taking three Montecristo No 5s that have rested in a well controlled humidor for 3 & 8 months and comparing them to a new, just arrived 04/08 box.

At 8 Months : This is a well rounded little cigar. Has a nice floral start but builds by the end of the first third to become a very intruiging little stick. Starts to exhibit wood (ie Oak & Cedar), Honey and floral undertones. By 2/3 the way in it has built into an upper medium bodied smoke that wants to let you know it's a Cuban. Not overpowering but definitely forceful. Burn & construction are very good. Slight linger of coffee on the palate.

At 3 Months : A nice Perla. Has a lot of ability but seems to lack some finesse. Flavour bends between leather and wood. Aftertaste is very slightly vanilla & floral.

The construction has a bit to be desired as I had to adjust numerous times. Never relit though. Short Finish.

New Box : These smell fresh and young. The one that I smoked from this box before laying them down was a nice little cigar but it lacked the great Montecristo aroma & intrigue. It became bitter towards the end and needed a lot of attention to the burn. Still, this is a great tasting cigar for one so small and young.

Overall Assesment : These are great cigars if you let them rest. I believe that you should let any cigar rest at least a month if you buy it online. From a reputable shop you should be ready to go in a week. There are exceptions though and of course ageing any good Cuban is well worth the time if you are patient enough. I struggle, like you all, to give them time! (Grinning)