(Stored in cabinet humidor 70deg/65RH)

Food: Grilled chicken sandwich with Provolone and mushrooms.

Drink: Pellegrino & Glanmorange 15 y/o

Location: Garage at my computer with the door ½ up.

Pre light aroma: This cigar was sweet with a hint of cinnamon and barley detectable earth.

Construction: This cigar was flawless. It held an even milk chocolate color. It was accented with a few tiny veins. When rolled between my fingers it made a lovely crackling sound that usually means proper humidification. It gave to the touch and was not spongy.
Pre Light: I made a cut with my Xikar cigar cutter. It was a cut that a surgeon would have been proud of. It cut with no tears, or even loose bits. I took a draw before lighting and could taste all the spices. It looked to be perfect in construction as I received just enough resistance.

Light: I used my pebble torch lighter and toasted the foot. It lit perfectly.

Taste: Fair amount of smoke and fair amount of earth. Through the entire cigar it provided a balance of slightly sweet earth and very tannic flavor.

Synopsis: This was a very earthy cigar toward the end. It was quite tannic and at the end had quite a bite. This young cigar shows good potential for aging nicely. While very different from the Monte #2 it shares the sense of strength and balance between power and a rich flavor profile. I will revisit this in six months.