Let's talk about the Montecristo Classic No.3 "It's a Girl!" - that pink band cigar everyone's snapping up for baby showers. This 5.5-inch corona with its Connecticut Shade wrapper rolls up at 44 ring gauge, costing about $12 per stick in boxes of 20. Perfect size for a 60-minute smoke session without overwhelming new parents. The Dominican-made blend keeps things mellow, but don't let the celebratory packaging fool you - there's serious craftsmanship under those baby-themed bands.
The cold draw gives hay and pencil shavings - classic Connecticut vibes. Initial puffs deliver creamy cashew butter with faint floral notes. Burn line stays razor-sharp, though I needed two touch-ups in the first inch. Smoke output's moderate - not a chimney, but enough to annoy your non-smoker aunt at the gender reveal party.
At the halfway mark, the sweetness dials up. Think melted vanilla ice cream drizzled over wheat toast. Retrohale brings white pepper tingle without bite. Watch the ash - mine dropped unexpectedly at 1.5 inches, a common complaint with this vitola.
The last segment introduces roasted almonds and baking spices. Some report bitterness here, but mine stayed smooth with proper pacing. Nicotine kick? More like a gentle nudge - perfect for sleep-deprived new parents. The pastel-colored band does leave glue residue if peeled too early.
First-time cigar buyers planning gender reveals will appreciate the thematic packaging and approachable profile. Veteran smokers might find it too straightforward for regular rotation. Pro tip: Buy 2 boxes - one to gift, one to age. The floral notes intensify beautifully after 6 months in the humidor.
