Let's cut to the chase - the Montecristo Epic 07 Churchill isn't for rookies. This box-pressed beast measures 7" x 56 ring gauge and comes in lacquered boxes of 10 at $180.65 a pop. Featuring an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper hugging Nicaraguan binder and 2007-vintage fillers from Nicaragua/Dominican Republic, this full-bodied masterpiece makes Cuban purists do a double take. The construction's so tight you could bounce a quarter off it, with certificate-signed boxes proving each stick survived multiple quality checks. Veteran smokers, meet your new after-dinner companion.
The initial puffs hit with black pepper spice that'll make your nostrils flare. Cedar and espresso notes emerge through thick, creamy smoke that clings to your tongue like velvety tar. I noticed perfect combustion - ash held firm for nearly two inches despite the 56-ring girth.
At the halfway mark, the Nicaraguan binder flexes its muscles. Savory leather replaces initial sweetness while earthy undertones keep things grounded. The draw stayed consistent, though newbies might need occasional purges to manage nicotine buildup.
Brace for impact - the last third unleashes bitter dark chocolate and baking spices. Smoke turns noticeably warmer despite slow pacing. Around the 90-minute mark, I tapped out as mineral tones verged on metallic. Pro tip: pair with espresso to counterbalance intensity.
The dark wrapper glistened with oily patches suggesting proper humidor storage. Triple-seam caps survived multiple cuts without unraveling. During testing, smoke output proved average for ring size - don't expect cloud-chasing volumes. Post-smash inspection revealed no stemmy bits in the filler.
I'd recommend this to experienced smokers who enjoy Nicaraguan-forward blends. The 56 ring demands patience - those used to thinner vitolas might struggle with heat management. While marketed as "special occasion," regular rotation seems feasible if your wallet can handle it. Absolute pass for morning smokers or casual users.
