Cigar Review
Brand/ Name of Cigar: Montecristo/ Pilotico/ Pepe Mendez
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Size: 6.2 x 52
Wrapper: Ecuador Sumatra
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Dominican, Nicargua
Shape: Toro
Price: Purchased from Lone Wolf Cigar Lounge , received as part of a gift sampler, 12/ 2016.
As always how and where the cigar was purchased or smoked does not influence my subjective judgment of the review. I always suggest to consider the smoke yourself if this review brings up your interest.
Where and When Smoked: 1/1/2017
Appearance/ Construction:
Attractive rich looking brown wrapper, slight veins showing but no obvious flaws or defects. Good looking labels which brings out the the oil in the wrapper. No soft spots in the handling of the cigar.
Flavor/ Taste and Aroma:
Initial third was very smooth with a combination of nuts and sweet hints of chocolate. Medium strength in the flavor with no hits of spice or pepper. Very consistent in the taste with no deviation from this combo. Aroma was sweet , not pungent with the nutty smoke dominating.
Smoking Characteristics:
The burn was even with no hot spots or tunneling . The ash was a solid white but needed two re lights during the second third of the smoke. So no real apparent reason for this as the construction for the smoke appeared well made. Maybe I missed something in my initial look.
Conclusion/ Overall Impression:
Price aside which is on the high end, I liked the overall quality of this cigar. It was consistent in flavor however there was no wow factor in this smoke. The two relights were a bit baffling so maybe it was in my handling of the cigar.
The folks at Altasis must know this is a limited appeal cigar for a few cigar dudes who have money to spend on a very high end product. There are other smokes to be had which provide more flavor for less cost.
Final thoughts:
Here are the numbers:
Appearance/ Construction: 4 out of 5
Flavor/ Taste and Aroma: 3.5 out of 5
Smoking Characteristics: 3 out of 5
Conclusion/ Overall Impression: 3.5 out of 5
I appreciate a well crafted, thought out cigar which brings the consumer a variety of taste and flavor.
Somehow the Montecristo Pilotico missed the mark for me. It fell a bit short on just about all avenues of an outstanding cigar. Given the market this cigar hopes to attract, I believe most cigar mavens will pass on buying the smoke after trying it. Lets see how it works out.
Keep smoking