Stogie Reviews: Montecristo White Epicure No. 3

9 Nov 2006

With a band as white as a banker’s freshly-starched shirt and a golden wrapper reminiscent of clover honey, the Montecristo White exudes a sense of clubroom elegance. The taste ain’t bad, either.

The first thing I noticed after lighting an Epicure No. 3 (five and ½ inches by 44 ring gauge) was the abundant smoke. It’s thick and full, the kind that creates a smoke ring with substance.

The last thing I noticed was what the Epicure did not have. No bitterness, even at the end. No nicotine bite, and none of what I think of as a medicinal aftertaste.

Now, I know a lot of smokers have a poor opinion of Montecristos. Perhaps that’s because of comparisons with their Cuban progenitor, with which they have little in common. Or maybe it’s the relatively high price and ubiquitous advertising that loudly toots its own horn. But I’m looking only at my own experience with the cigar.

I enjoyed it.

While I understand that Montecristo created the White a few years ago to add a stronger line extension, I would say it begins mildly and moves to medium.

I found variety and complexity throughout the hour or so I smoked the Epicure. A little spice and pepper were present at the start, particularly in the finish that lingered on the back of the throat. By the final third of the cigar those had nearly disappeared, replaced with a deeper taste and hints of coffee, as well as an occasional sweetness on the tongue.

The ash was tight. The burn was straight. The draw was excellent.

If you’re the sort of smoker who often peruses the humidor in search of a new experience, you probably don’t linger much over brands like Montecristo. You likely think you’ve already got a good idea what they’re like and feel that, for the money, you’ll take a chance on something else.

I would urge you to take another look at the White. If you’re planning to sit and read, watch a little football, or simply sip a cup of coffee and contemplate the day, you’ll have a nice, classy companion. I give the Montecristo White Epicure No. 3 three and ½ out of five stogies.