Monte by Montecristo Jacopo No. 2

Overall Score

1 review for Monte by Montecristo Jacopo No. 2

  1. Ray

    Monte by Montecristo Jacopo No. 2

    Origin : Dominican RepublicMontecristo
    Format : Square-pressed Torpedo
    Size : 6.1 x 54
    Wrapper : Ecuadorian Habano
    Filler : Dominican
    Binder : Dominican Olor and Nicaraguan Corojo
    Hand-Made
    Price : ~$9

    Monte by Montecristo was released in 2013, billed as the strongest cigar in the Montecristo line. It is a fresh twist on an old concept. According to Altadis, “The Monte’s signature feature is the inclusion of two binders: a spicy Dominican Olor combined with a strong and aromatic Nicaraguan Corojo, which adds strength, firmness, and complexity.” There are three different vitolas available: the Conde, measuring 5.5 x 48, the Monte measuring 6 x 60, and the Jacopo No. 2, measuring 6.1 x 54. I smoked the Jacopo No. 2. You have probably noticed this is a unique name for a vitola. As a note of literary interest, the name “Jacopo” is taken from a character in The Count of Monte Cristo.

    Appearance : [rating:4.5/5]
    The Monte Jacopo No. 2 has a very distinctive appearance, and it comes beautifully packaged. The box is a stylish black with the Monte name and logo (the typeface is beautiful). The gold, dark red, and black colors are echoed on the double band. What really grabs you about this cigar though is the unique shape. Most box-pressed cigars have a rectangular shape. This one has been box-pressed in such a way that all the sides are equal, creating a square effect. And of course it is a torpedo, so that only makes it more eye-catching. The Ecuadorian Habano wrapper is a deep, almost reddish brown color and a few noticeable veins. This is quite an exciting-looking stogie.

    Construction : [rating:3.5/5]
    The burn on this cigar is wonderfully straight, and it needed very few adjustments, all of them minor. The ash holds on beautifully. I do have to knock a couple points down on the draw, though. The last two thirds, it was perfect, but the entire first third, it was a bit tight. This may have something to do with the unusual shape of the cigar. It would have been nice if the draw could have opened up earlier. It may have just been a fluke though.

    Flavor : [rating:4/5]
    The initial flavors I detect are largely wood and berries, with some pepper and cinnamon adding a dash of spice. The berry flavor emerges from the woodwork and becomes more prominent as the smoke progresses. The flavor may actually be strawberry, which is not something I have tasted in a lot of cigars. As the cigar draws to a close, you get cocoa and nutmeg. The flavors are pleasant, and not overly complex. The strawberry note is the biggest surprise here. Otherwise the flavor profile is one which does kind of blend into the woodwork for me.

    Value : [rating:4/5]
    At $9.25, these are more expensive than a lot of cigars, and as such not necessarily an everyday smoke. While this is a good cigar, the flavors do not stand out to me as particularly unique.

    Overall Rating : [rating:4/5]
    This is a good quality cigar, and I did enjoy it. But I have to admit that the appearance of the stogie was what impressed me the most. Because it was so unique to look at, I was expecting a more distinctive experience in terms of the flavor profile. I do have to compliment the razor sharp burn, however. I am glad I tried it, and while I might not buy a box, given an opportunity, I would happily smoke another.

    [sz]jacopo[/sz]

    Helpful?
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    • Jordan

      Great review! It’s unfortunate that the taste isn’t quite as impressive as its looks, but it does look quite impressive. Thanks for sharing!

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Cigar Region Dominican Republic
Filler Dominican
Wrapper Ecuadorian Habano
Binder Dominican Republic, Nicaragua
Length 6 1/8
Ring Gauge 54
Vitola Torpedo
Construction Hand Made