If you have ever asked yourself if an aged cigar is better than a younger one, the short answer is maybe, in my opinion. I have had cigars that were only months old, to cigars that are almost as old as I am. You get good ones and bad ones from each extremity. For the wine lovers out there, this concept of aged cigars runs parallel to that of aging wines: both need to rest at a specific temperature and humidity to perfect the aging process “Until the end of time” (Tupac would approve). Nevertheless, we are here to review an initial release Montecristo Open Master Tubos, circa 2009.
Let us cut straight, no pun intended, to the chase. The Open series from Montecristo is intended to be a mild blend. Therefore, with that in mind, and assuming that theory holds true, this cigar is not to be consumed after a heavy meal as it is a mild and smooth smoke that will be overshadowed with whatever you have indulged before. If you want to keep yourself hydrated, I recommend a smooth whiskey like a
Glenrothes or even a Bushmills, no need to go crazy, or just have some nice cold water. A coffee is a bonus that compliments this little beauty.
The Start
Now onto the star of this review. The cold draw has very mild aromas of pistachio and salted caramel. The cold draw felt very mild and I had hoped it wouldn’t get milder and fade away as I smoke it. You roast the cigar, take two or three puffs and slowly take your first draw
and then it hits you, delight. From the beginning until the first third you get hints of dry raisins, sweet cherry, very different from the cold draw. It smokes like a steam engine and it doesn’t feel very mild anymore. The aromas and characteristics are present and well- endowed without overpowering your pallet nor leaving behind any bitterness.
The Middle
Second third. I left the cigar rest for a little bit, making sure it did not burn out to keep a consistent smoke session. Its character changed, the cigar still steaming away, brought hints of biscotti, hazelnuts and even pastel de nata and dulce de leche of all things! This is where the coffee and even the whisky comes into play. Smooth smoke and sailing away, I did not let it go and kept enjoying it.
The End
Last third. The cigar stayed around the same characteristics as the second third but this time it reminded me of the Hershey’s white chocolate bar with “Oreo” type flavour present. The toothpick method had to be applied to go until the very end of this little wonder.
To conclude, if you ever get offered a ten-year-old Open Master Tubos just like I was, shout-out to Antonio Marsillo, just say thank you and grab it or even buy the lot if it is for sale.
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