Let's talk about the Monte by Montecristo Conde - a 5.5" x48 Robusto that's become my go-to for shorter smoke sessions. Priced at $183.57 per box of 16, this Dominican-made stick with Ecuadorian Habano wrapper brings some serious value to the table.
The double binder construction (Dominican Olor + Nicaraguan Corojo) really shows its stuff in the burn. My box from August '23 needed zero touch-ups - razor-straight burn line with a sturdy 1.5" ash hold.
Crack that foot and you're hit with black pepper spray mellowing into toasted cedar. The vintage Dominican filler gives this caramel sweetness that sticks to your lips.
At the 30-minute mark, the Nicaraguan binder flexes its muscles. Dark chocolate notes emerge with that signature Montecristo earthiness. Retrohale brings out cashew nuttiness that pairs stupidly well with espresso.
Don't sleep on the last third - leather tones kick in but stay smooth. I got minimal tar buildup even when nubbing it. Smoke time averages 75 minutes if you're taking it slow.
Worth noting - the Habano wrapper on these has a slightly toothy texture compared to Monte's Cuban releases. Box code TGD-0723 showed perfect humidity levels right out of the seal. Draw resistance? Nonexistent - like sipping air through a cocktail straw.
For the price, this might be Montecristo's best non-Cuban offering. It's not your grandfather's Monte (looking at you, No. 2 purists), but brings enough complexity to keep experienced smokers interested while remaining approachable. Box worthy if you dig medium-plus strength with zero bite.
