Montecristo White (Greek Mike)

Brand: Montecristo

Line: White

Vitola: Rothchilde

Length x Ring Gauge: 5.0 x 52

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic (wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade; binder: Nicaraguan; filler: Dominican and Nicaraguan)

Strength: Medium

Date: July 4, 2011

Notes:

Cigars and you: Partners in Freedom. Smoking cigars during a BBQ on July 4^th is quintessential Americana. When else can you enjoy amazing beer (i.e. Banana nut bread beer, thank you Ari), and a great smoke while waiting for mouth-watering, juicy burgers to cook on the grill. Truly it was a cornucopia of sensory stimulation (that’s what she said). The cigar aroma, the great beer, and the scent of juicy burgers…..every day should be Independence Day (or at least, we should have BBQs every day). On July 4^th, I celebrated my freedom by enjoying a Montecristo White in New Jersey (thank you Mayor Bloomberg).

For those of you who know me well, I am a fan of Nicaraguan tobacco. Its got a spicy kick that rivals (if not surpasses) its Cuban counterpart. This cigar really borrows its taste from the Nicaraguan binder and filler. The cigar was well constructed giving it an even, smooth burn with an easy draw.

Not too complex, it complements the beer (my libation of choice for this cigar) nicely. There was a hint of spice to this overall, medium bodied cigar. I really enjoyed the relaxing smoke. I would smoke this at a ball game (not allowed in NYC), or at a BBQ.

Plus side: smooth draw, well constructed, medium bodied with a little spice.

The only shortfall: the last quarter got hot and ashy, which is sort of common with cigars from Altadis (see: non-cuban Romeo y Julietas, or the H. Upmans). They all start out smooth and end ashy.

Overall: 7 out of 10