Montecristo No. 1 Vintage 2006 Review

I still consider myself a rookie in the vast world of cigars, especially newer to reviewing and commenting them. Like they say practice is key. So, they only way to do so…well it’s by smoking them! Here is my take on a beautifully aged Habanos……Enjoy!

First off, the general physical aspect of the cigar is beautiful, it has a nice medium-light brown tobacco colour. Very nicely preserved and the condition is mint.

The beginning

As you would expect in a vintage cigar, the draw is tight but not in any way unpleasant. I was suggested to give a straight cut to it to help on the draw…Good call Antonio. The initial taste is delicious with nice layers of complexity, nutty, milk chocolate, spices (baking spices) mixed in the mouthfeel. And by spices, I mean nothing peppery or harsh…the cigar really mellowed down with all those aging years. I am even getting some fruity, candied quince, on the end of the mouthfeel. This seems like it will be a nice smoke!

The middle

The evolution of the cigar is very subtle, starting to have darker chocolate notes mixed with some leather and aged tobacco. So far, the burn on the cigar has been perfect with a nice ringed ash that holds true. Slowly getting a bit more concentration and structure on the mouthfeel as well. Really liking the evolution on this aged Habanos so far.

The end

Getting closer to the end, the cigar is gaining a bit of strength. But it still stays mild bodied. The flavors are concentrating and showing nice layers. Everything seems to be well blended and layered together. A really nice smoke, very enjoyable for an afternoon or morning smoke. The final has evolved and presents darker/milk chocolate, leathery, baking spices (mainly vanilla, nutmeg) with a finishing touch of candied quince and figs.

The conclusion

The age factor was definitely a benefit on this cigar. I am at the beginning stages of appreciating and understanding aged cigars and I am really intrigued and impressed by the way they draw, a nice tight smoke. The complexity makes me think of a parallel with aged wines, the evolution given by age is noticeable on aromas and the mouthfeel of the cigar. To me, this is an Habanos to enjoy on nice morning or afternoon smoke, accompanied by some espresso coffee or simply water. The cigar itself doesn’t need support to prove its taste and complexity!

I hope you enjoyed my take on this aged Montecristo No. 1 Vintage 2006. Looking forward to sharing and tasting more cigars with all of you!

Cheers,

Simon-Pierre Bailly-Vallée