Montecristo Media Corona Review

During last February’s Habanos festival in Havana, the Montecristo Media Corona was released for the first time to the public. Antonio and I had to chance to try this cigar given at the dinner. I was looking forward to trying it again to compare it with the first batch we have received. This cigar fits right in line with the tendency to shorter cigars that we have seen from Habanos in the last few years. The Media Corona has 44 ring gauges and 90 length which is just 10mm shy of its big brother the Montecristo #5 (40 x 102). They also come in the same dress box packaging as the other vitolas of the brand.

At cold, I get straight young tobacco flavour. There is some sharp notes that are probably due to its very young age (box code was RAE MAY15). It is well constructed and it gives me a perfect draw.

1^st half

Right off the start, this cigar reminds me of the example we had sampled in Havana. It has sweet notes alongside some woodiness. This is quite smooth and doesn’t have any harshness. I am having this with some water and some coffee. Its medium body fits really well with the coffee. Their flavours are blending together quite nicely and making this a pairing I can see myself do again. The Montecristo Media Corona was made for short breaks and blistering cold winter smoking and it is delivering that experience so far.

2^nd half

This is where I start to notice the big difference between the ones from the festival and the ones shipped out. It is starting to be a lot stronger than I remembered. You still have the same flavours of wood and young tobacco but the sweetness and smoothness are gone. It has moved toward a fuller body and has a more toasted flavour profile. I can see how this would be pleasing to some smokers as the change is very noticeable and definitely keeps you attentive to the cigar. The example we had at the dinner was smooth and medium body all around. Maybe they were rolled quite a bit of time in advance or maybe they were made with older tobacco.

All in all, the Montecristo Media Corona is a fairly good cigar that does its job. It offers a good and entertaining short smoke. It can be enjoyed now or with just a year or two to round off the edges but I don’t think they can gain too much from the aging process. Enjoy them now!

6.75/10