Montecristo White Series No.3 "It's a Boy!" arrives in your humidor looking like the Clark Kent of cigars - unassuming Connecticut Shade wrapper hiding Dominican-Nicaraguan superblend powers. This 5½" x44 corona comes packaged with celebratory blue bands and Boveda-equipped boxes of 27, retailing around $300. The "It's a Boy!" edition adds thematic cellophane wraps without altering the core White Series DNA - think of it as a stork-delivered version of Montecristo's mild-mannered classic.
The initial light delivers that signature White Series butter bomb - think warmed brioche with honey drizzle. Smoke production stays moderate despite the compact corona format, with faint almond nuances emerging through the nose. Construction shows Tabacalera de García's expertise: razor-straight burn line, firm ash holding strong.
Flavors shift gear at the halfway point - cashew creaminess takes center stage while background notes of crushed basil leaves add herbal complexity. Some smokers report faint mineral water crispness balancing the sweetness. Draw remains effortless though retrohale reveals slight papery texture common in Dominican wrappers.
Last third amps up the cedar while introducing white pepper tingle on lips. Watch for slight tar buildup common in coronas - occasional purging recommended. The celebratory blend wraps up with lingering graham cracker sweetness, clocking in around 55 minutes smoke time. Nic-hit stays mild enough for morning pairings.
Newbies dig the approachable profile and festive packaging - baby shower crowds approve. Veterans sometimes dismiss it as "training wheels smoke" but reach for it during yardwork or paperwork sessions. The controlled strength makes it a safe blind recommendation, though complexity hunters might yawn. Humidity control is key - store below 65% RH to prevent canoeing issues reported in damp climates.
