Life is good. I got a chance to smoke these back to back. The MC2 was straight out of the walk in at the LCDH and the Upmann 2 has been sitting in my humidor for the last 6 months.
MC2
appearance and construction 12/15 It was nicely rolled but a bit too tight on the draw. There was a hard spot about halfway in that took a little coaxing to get past. The wrapper of the MC2 doesn't have the shine of the upmann. The upmann is also noticeably lighter in color.
Flavor 23/25 Fantastic in so many ways. This cigar was rich, flavorful and dynamic. The only gripe I have is the consitency from beginning to end. It had its ups and downs which isn't necessarily a bad thing but it is hard to compare it to something like a BBF which in my limited experience are rock solid and powerful. This one was more laid back. The flavors was hard to describe. It was definitely the best (and probably the first real) MC2 I have ever had. I think Montecristo might have the market cornered on "most cuban tasting cigar." It wasn't hindered any hints of this or traces of that. It was pure cuban flavored goodness. But in retrospect the flavor didn't blow me away. I felt like it was striving to turn the corner, much like the few edmundos I have had.
Smoking characteristics 22/25 Very nice ash on this one. It wasn't as strong as the upmann but it burned more true.
Overall 32/35 Great cuban cigar but I like them stronger personally. This one didn't knock me on my a$$. I don't know if this varies from stick to stick. I have heard some people say that this is a powerful cigar but I wouldn't even put it in the same league as a rass, PSD4, or a BBF in terms of power.
Total 89
Upmann No 2
Appearance and construction 13/15 It looks similar to the monte but with a fresh coat of wax. That is to say that the wrapper on the upmann has a nice sheen to it. It is far more delicate than the monte wrapper and a few shades lighter too. There are some small green spots here and there but overall it is pretty uniform. The construction is slightly lumpy and has a spiderweb vein running down the side but nothing large on unsightly. It is actually quite a beautiful cigar.
Flavor 23/25 Slightly less zippy than the MC2. It has more woodsy smokey flavors. The smoke texture is very buttery with hints of sweetness and spice. The finish seems a little longer than the MC2. Overall it is a dryer tasting cigar but very enjoyable.
Smoking characteristics 22/25 The clip was messy because the wrapper is quite delicate. The draw was tough too because of a slightly tight roll. The burn was fairly even but not perfect. This one is definitely a little more powerful than the monte.
Overall 33/35
This one is more beauty and power and less subltety but still not a powerhouse when compared to some stronger ccs. The flavors were very good but mostly straightforward. The smoke was dryer than many other ccs too with a woodsy peppery finish that was very nice.
Total 91
This may be a controversial call but I like the upmann a little better. It is more my speed. The monte was an incredible cigar and looking back it is kind of stupid to even compare them this closely. The upmann was a little more powerful and intoxicating although it definitely provided less sweetness and typical cuban flavor. I found the woodsy and pepper punctions refreshing and more than ample to keep my attention. I nubbed the upmann whereas the monte died at the band when it started to burn a little hot. The upmann didn't get hot at all and left me with a slight buzz. I would recommend either one of them. They were both fantastic.
Winner - upmann 2 but not by much.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Pmpimbura,
______________________________________ Refugee: a person who flees to a foreign country or power to escape danger
Reject: one rejected as not wanted, unsatisfactory, or not fulfilling standard requirements
This is a hard matchup because I've had so many MC2's that were just not there. Sometimes they are just fantastic, and sometimes they are just good. That pretty much goes for most MC vitolas. Yesterday I had an MC4 that was just blah.
Upmann tobacco is far more consistent and generally I find they require less time in the humi.
The MC2's I've had recently have sucked, but my first cc was a terrific MC2 and while I won't get duped into buying a box of these again I'll pick up a fiver here or there and just keep crossing my fingers I get a good one.
Peace.
Posts: 2085 | Location: Internet | Registered: October 08, 2004
The Monte's lately have been rather hit or miss, and that really surprises me. It seems the ones from later than an '03 production are more spotty as far as consistent taste than those prior to '02. I can smoke one from my '01 box, and it smokes different than one from my '03 box and the '03s just taste flatter.
I agree with PMP here that it seems the Bolivars are getting much better and are the consistentcy to shoot for in cuban cigar taste. If Monte's were that consistent, I would buy more, but no more after this last box..I'll buy more Upmanns or some Bolvar PC's.
Mike
"Eating and sleeping are the only activities that should be allowed to interrupt a man's enjoyment of his cigar." Mark Twain
Originally posted by pmpimbura: Thanks I appreciate it. I worked very hard on that review. It takes dedication to smoke such fantastic cigars just for the benefit of others.
LOL, I know thats right!
B.A.S.E #0000 <(o)> C.L.A.S.P. #0000
Posts: 4793 | Location: Texas | Registered: June 15, 2003
Based on my experience smoking the MC2 and Upmann #2 vitolas over the past 12 months, this comparitive review hits the nail squarely on the head IMO. Just wish CA could do invaluable reviews like this!
Posts: 114 | Location: Singapore | Registered: April 13, 2004
