Notes & évaluations
Note de la rédaction
Note des amateurs
Soyez le premier
Organoleptic profile
Strength
mild
Balance
very good
Draw
easy
Intensity
expressive
- Bouquet
- complex
- Finish
- medium
- Ash color
- gray
- Smoke output
- medium
Aroma profile
Dominant aromas
Secondary aromas
Tasting notes
The Montecristo Open Junior, with its 108 mm (4¼") in length and 15.1 mm (⅝") in diameter, presents itself under a quality Cuban wrapper. The texture of its wrapper, fine and slightly rough, offers a pleasant and reassuring grip, reflecting the meticulous craftsmanship that characterizes the Montecristo brand.
Pre-light aromas will enchant you with an initial olfactory contact evoking notes of earth and leather, enriched with hints of honey and chocolate. Once lit, this complexity continues to develop, with wood aromas revealing themselves, adding an appreciable dimension of spices and hazelnuts to the sensory experience.
On the palate, the aromatic progression is clearly manifested across the three thirds. From the outset, you will feel a slight sweetness accompanied by subtle nuances of nuts and spices. As you progress, the complexity thickens with touches of cocoa and a delicate creamy texture, without any bitterness, making each puff a generous pleasure. The finish rises in sophistication with a slight presence of pepper, adding a delightful conclusion.
The character of the Montecristo Open Junior is defined by a medium finish and a beautiful harmony between sweetness and strength. This remarkable balance makes it accessible while offering enough personality to captivate connoisseurs. It’s an experience that invites you to revisit this little gem.
Ideal for moments of relaxation, this cigar is best enjoyed with coffee or during a peaceful evening, accompanied by a glass of slightly peated whisky that will enhance its honey and wood aromas.
Community impressions
Praised by enthusiasts, this cigar stands out for its enchanting pre-light aromas and its adaptability for smokers seeking a milder experience. Connoisseurs appreciate its impeccable construction and easy draw, although some feedback mentions a draw that can occasionally be a bit too heavy. In summary, it is a wise choice for those discovering the world of cigars.
How to taste: Montecristo Open Junior
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1.The Visual Examination
The Montecristo Open Junior features a colorado wrapper, a shiny reddish-brown that is slightly oily, typical of Habanos. Its construction is exquisite, and its straight format, with dimensions of 108.0 mm (4¼") and a ring gauge of 38, lends an elegance that captures the eye.
This initial observation allows for an assessment of the tobacco quality and craftsmanship, two key elements for anticipating the aromatic richness and performance of the cigar.
2.Pre-light Aromas
Before lighting the cigar, inhaling the pre-light aromas reveals notes of damp earth, wood, honey, and chocolate, which blend harmoniously. These scents serve as a prelude to the tasting and foreshadow the complexity to come.
This step is crucial for establishing an initial connection with the tobacco, allowing one to anticipate the aromatic palette and sharpen attention during lighting.
3.The Cut
Performing a standard straight cut just below the cap is essential to release the aromas. The Montecristo Open Junior, with its careful construction, is perfectly suited to this technique.
A precise cut ensures an optimal draw and allows for full enjoyment of the cigar's flavors, thus avoiding combustion issues or missed aromas.
4.Cold Draw
The cold draw is pleasant and easy, indicating a good level of humidity and careful construction. This allows one to familiarize themselves with the initial sensations of the cigar before lighting.
This preliminary test reveals any potential manufacturing defects and allows for adjustments to the cut if necessary, ensuring a smooth and unobstructed tasting experience.
5.Lighting
Lighting should be meticulous, ensuring the foot of the cigar is well toasted for an even burn. A beautiful ember forms quickly, indicating a good choice of tobacco.
Properly lighting the cigar avoids canoeing and uneven burn issues, which can detract from the tasting experience and appreciation of the aromas.
6.First Third
The first third is characterized by a mild strength and dominant aromas of damp earth, wood, honey, and chocolate. The smoke volume is medium, providing a nice consistency on the palate.
This phase reveals the initial strength of the cigar and allows for the appreciation of the base flavors, essential for preparing for the evolution of aromas in the subsequent stages.
7.Second Third
At this stage, the cigar evolves towards secondary aromas of nuts, spice, and toasted bread, while maintaining excellent balance. Complexity manifests, bringing unexpected richness.
Observing this transition is important for understanding the dynamics of the blend and recognizing how the flavors intertwine, enriching the overall tasting experience.
8.The Finish
The gray ash indicates good combustion, while the finish leaves a pleasant lightness with a touch of residual sweetness. The finish is medium, offering a beautiful conclusion.
This final step is revealing of the quality of the blend and the drying process, where a well-crafted finish confirms the harmony of the aromas and the mastery of Cuban craftsmanship.