Smoked: Montecristo Grand Exhibition

Montecristo hit a home run with their 6 x 52 entry in the Grand Exhibition series. This cigar was surprisingly tasty, with transitions that kept my interest. Being a Nicaraguan puro sporting a Nicaraguan Habano wrapper, I was expecting a hearty dose of pepper upon light up. But that wasn’t the case at all.

Subtle baking spices with a bit of sweetness greeted my palate, along with prominent notes of earth and leather that lasted throughout the second third. Robust (but not overwhelming) Nicaraguan pepper finally entered the picture in the second third, and remained until it was time to bid this fine cigar adieu. Woodiness, akin to the aroma of elm sawdust, mixed with an occasional hint of cedar, nuttiness and chocolate entered in the second third, along with subtle floral notes. The nuttiness, woodiness, and floral notes somewhat faded after the second third, but the pepper and chocolate notes remained consistent until the nub.

I rate this fairly complex stick as medium/full, both in body and strength. Smoke production was very good, and the burn was excellent; no touch-ups required. The lovely room note reminded me of the heady aroma of cigars that I smoked back in the 70’s.

If the last remaining cigar in the series, the Romeo y Julieta Grand Exhibition Toro, is as good as the first three, I’m in for a treat. Cheers!