hello you all, Lately I've had quite a few Monte 4, and I am not happy with the consistency of these cigars. Out of 15 I would say that only 7-8 have been good. My experience is both draw problems and harshness. The latter might be an issue of aging, but aren't they supposed to be pretty good young? I bought these in packs of four (if I remember right), so I am not sure of the time of production. I find it strange that most of the No 5's I've had lately (from the same purchase) have been perfect. The cigars are for sure not fake. Any one had the same experience, or the contrary?
You bought them in packs of 4. That's why. If you want to assure the authenticity of a cigar, you do need to buy the whole box. Maybe you might have a problem with 1 or 2 cigars, but half of the cigars? No. And no, it's not storage, it's not aging, it's none of that. Problems like this are with pedigree.
There is a HUGE problem with counterfeits when it comes to the small denomination boxes. That is where the store owners make all their money.
So...this is an example of why you don't buy singles or the 3 or 4 packs.
It is NOT a common problem, and I'd speak to your vendor about a refund.
If you bought them in Cuba, then you haven't been reading my warnings about this precise problem. Next time you will know.
The Monte 4 (mareva) is the most widely produced Cuban cigar in the world, and everyone makes them in Cuba, from the most novice rollers to the most advanced. So, there will be a varying degree of production quality. But a problem like the one you describe is not right.
___________________ Santa Cabilla...patron saint of Quericæstan. VIVE COULTER (not Ann)! VIVE CPD! Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go...(Oscar Wilde)
Posts: 9359 | Location: Avenida de las Nalgas, Quericæstan | Registered: May 02, 2002
I have not had a lot of problems with harshness. I let them rest 4 - 6 weeks after purchase. I think they smoke great young. JMHO. But I do agree on the draw problems. Always end up with several real tight cigars. Almost always a hard spot right about where the band is located, or near the head. I smoke quite a few in this size and have not noticed near as many problems with other mareva sized cigars. I have some Diplomaticos #4 and Bolivar PC's that are great, no tight spots. The Monte 4's are my favorite but I get pizzed at the problems! So yes I agree.
Trying buying a box and request that they are inspected for tightness before being sent to you. You can also request oily or darker wrappers, and specific box codes.
I find the 3 or 4 packs the worst configuration to purchase as they are so damn inconsistent.
"Bud spelers of the word unight, and remumber: cabron is most abundent elemant in hte youknwverse"
Montecristos #4 & Edmundo are two of my favorites, but I've had construction issues with both of them. I haven't had flavor problems (yet) but there is a problem with quality control. From what I've read here, the #4 is a toss up as to quality.
Posts: 175 | Location: Mexico City | Registered: March 01, 2008
I just smoked one of these gifted to me by Sheri in a pif and it burned streaky but stayed lit all of the way. The flavor was very good but very strong ( I still am alittle lightheaded) All in all though a very enjoyable experience.
Posts: 664 | Location: The Middle of California | Registered: November 07, 2007
I've always loved MC 2s and 4s and had no probs with construction or anything else for at least a couple years. Today, I killed off the last stick in a three-pack of MC 3s that I picked up recently and what a revelation! All were a delight in terms of burn, draw and especially flavor. The surprise for me was that the flavor profile was much closer to the 2 than the 4.
