Stogie Reviews: Montecristo Classic Robusto

6 Feb 2007

Several years ago, José Seijas – the Dominican cigar legend responsible for Montecristo, H. Upmann, and Romeo y Julieta – set out to personally select and stockpile the highest grade wrapper, binder, and filler tobaccos for his new signature stogie: the Montecristo Classic.

Even though these babies are just hitting retailers as we write, we’ve been lucky enough to smoke about eight or nine Robustos apiece to date. And let us tell you they’re terrific.

These five inches by 52 ring gauge cigars come draped in a flawless, caramel-brown Connecticut Shade wrapper. Appearance-wise, the only trait that distinguishes the Classic line from other Montecristos is a gold emblem on the band.

Once lit, the “special blend” of Dominican binders and fillers intermingle to create a mild and cool taste that closely resembles that of a marshmallow – very unique, and very enjoyable. The cigar’s soft, spongy feel ensures an easy draw and abundant smoke with each puff.

Into the second half, the flavor smoothly transitions to a hotter spice, and notes of chocolate and graham come into play. Since the sweet marshmallow taste is retained throughout the duration of the smoke, the new flavor could now be accurately compared to a S’more. Once again, this is different than anything else we’ve tried.

Our only complaint? We noticed some inconsistency in burn from stick to stick, but nothing too egregious. What’s more, any unevenness was easy to correct.

On the whole, this is one of the finest cigars we’ve had the pleasure to review. With an MSRP of $8.50 apiece, they’re certainly not cheap, but easily worth the price if you’re lucky enough to find them. In a quick survey of local DC-area stores only two of six cigar shops we called carried the Classic line (and those two had a limited selection), and our check of the major online retailers came up completely empty.

For complex, unique, and transforming flavors that stay balanced on the palate, we give the Montecristo Classic Robusto four and ½ out of five stogies.