Stogie Reviews: Montecristo Afrique Kilimanjaro
9 Oct 2006
A month back we received an email from a reader asking our opinion of a JR special on the Montecristo Afrique Kilimanjaro (10 cigars and a travel humidor for about $60 or, for $25 more, a sharp-looking glass top humidor with the cigars). Since we hadn’t had one yet, we couldn’t offer an opinion. But when we came across a Kilimanjaro at our local JR store, we scooped it up for ten bucks.
The first thing you notice about this 7 inches by 46 ring guage lonsdale is that is quite handsome. I’ve always been a fan of the classic brown Montecristo band, but this cigar is dressed up even more with a nice cedar sleeve with KILIMANJARO burnt down the center. Completing the ensemble is a black band at the bottom that reminds you the cigar is from the Afrique line.
But the stogie’s appearance isn’t all bells and whistles. The dark brown Cameroon wrapper makes the cigar standout long after the cedar sleeve is crumpled up in the trash. Pre-light, the cigar had subtle woody notes. The top grade wrapper was also free of veins.
Once lit, the cigar lived up to its billing as a very unique smoke. It had a dark coffee flavor, which was augmented by the Iced Café Americano I paired with this stogie. But the coffee flavors were swirled up with chocolate and subtle hints of what I can best describe as English breakfast tea. Elsewhere I’ve seen people claim to notice chai flavors in this cigar, and while I didn’t occur to me while reviewing the cigar, in hindsight it is plausible that chai flavors were present.
Overall it was a very complex, yet balanced flavor profile. Additionally the construction was flawless – with an even burn, easy draw, and sturdy white ash.
While I have had better cigars from the “ultra-premium†price range, I highly recommend that everyone try at least one cigar from the Afrique line. Not everyone will love the unique flavors, but they’re worth checking out.
For one-of-a-kind flavor with excellent construction, this cigar earns an impressive four out of five stogies.
Patrick Ashby
Co-Founder & Editor in Chief
Patrick Semmens
Co-Founder & Publisher
George Edmonson
Tampa Bureau Chief
Another thanks for this review! Since you guys didn't have one on hand and it received a great review from Walt at stogiereview I already decided to jump on this deal from JR. I just received them Friday and I can't wait for them to get settled so I can smoke a few myself.
Thanks for this. There aren’t many reviews of this cigar out there, and this clears up some things for me. Good work as usual.
I have found your reviews to be usually spot on. But I must disagree with the Afrique. I picked one up from J&R and found that the draw was tight and the flavor uninspiring. I can’t say that it was a horrible smoke, but a pretty boring one. I was pretty disappointed as I try to find great cigars made with African tobacco. As a big fan of Stogieguys, can a make a special request for more reviews on various African smokes? Many thanks.
I just had my first of these beauties last night (I just read your review tonight) I could not agree more with your review. This was by far one of the best smokes I have had. Even with its review as a heavy smoke, I found that it was very pleasant in taste, great smooth smoke to the very end. Trying to find a good price on these babies to fill up my empty spaces in my humidor Thanks!!
Just had one of these this morning. Really just a delightful cigar. It was certainly heavy but without that overpowering Nicaraguan flavor (which I frequently love, but can be more than I'm looking for in a smoking experience.)
These are definately a must try if you haven't already. A very enjoyable/tasty blend anytime of the day. Goes well with the morning java. Has a perfect draw and burn. Easily warrants a 4 stogie rating.
I agree with Harrison. This is one of montecristos better/tastier blends. Perfect draw, burn, and flavor everytime. I keep plenty of these in my stock and usually smoke at least 1 everyday. I'd rate it a bit above the posted 4. A must try…