With its new Platinum Series, Montecristo, long considered the international brand by which all other premiums are measured, sets new standards for luxury cigars. Crafted with selected San Andres Cubano wrapper (grown in the legendary San Andres Valley), along with a rich, Dominican binder and a special vintage blend of Nicaraguan, Peruvian and Dominican long filler tobaccos, the exquisite Montecristo Platinum cigars offer the connoisseur a rich, sensual smoking experience without equal.  The Montecristo Platinum Churchill Tube cigars were named #22 on Cigar Aficionado's Best 25 Cigars of 2010 List!

[caption id="attachment_375" align="aligncenter" width="251" caption="Montecristo Platinum Cigars at My Discount Cigars"][/caption]

The Montecristo Platinum cigars allows cigar lovers to indulge in a richer and bolder smoke that some of the traditional Montecristo blends don't offer.  The solid blend of binder and filler give the Montecristo Platinum its earthy core and the wrapper gives it a pleasant and mellow special woody spice.  The Mexican wrappers of the Montecristo Platinum cigars are smooth with an oily sheen and feel to them.  Expect a medium-to-full-bodied intensity with the cocoa, woody and earthy flavors increasing as you smoke it, ending in a peppery note. The Montecristo Platinum give off a fair amount of smoke, burn evenly and have a smooth draw.  The flavors never overpower your palate, which makes this cigar an incredible smoke that will perform famously each time you light one up.

[caption id="attachment_377" align="alignleft" width="54" caption="Montecristo Platinum Rothchilde Tube at My Discount Cigars"][/caption]

The Montecristo Platinum cigars are individually housed in a protective silver tube and displayed in their new silver-blue boxes (the Michel Delacroix painted boxes depicting the famous Havana harbor are no longer available).  We offer the following sizes in the Montecristo Platinum series:  Churchill Tube (7 x 50), Habana No. 2 (6 1/2 x 52T), No. 3 (5 1/2 x 44), Robusto (5 x 50), Rothchilde Tube (5 x 50), and Toro (6 x 50).  The Montecristo Platinum cigars are truly a reward for all of the senses… don't let this beauty slip by unnoticed, try some with your friends this weekend.

RATED 92 BY CIGAR AFICIONADO AND #22 ON THEIR BEST 25 CIGARS OF 2010 LIST!

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic

Flavor: Medium
Wrapper: Mexican San Andres Cubano
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Nicaragua, Peru, Dominican Republic

The Montecristo Platinum cigars are available online at MyDiscountCigar.com.

To read more about the Montecristo Platinum series cigars please visit AltadisUSA.com.

~ Peace, Love, Cigars ~

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Binder: Mexican
Wrapper: Sumatra
Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan and Peruvian
Size: No. 3 (Corona) 5.5 X 44
Price: $5.70

The Dominican based Montecristo Brand has been real hit and miss for me. I hated the Edmundos (had burn problems, tunnels and they smelled like cheese), the White labels are always way too tight for me to enjoy and the Brown label is typically a bit tight as well although tasty when it’s on. Tack on the price and time and again I choose against these cigars at the B&M knowing that I am in for a unpredictable experience at best, should I select one. They just never seem to kick out the volume I desire although they do burn very slow. Personally, I want thick voluminous clouds of smoke and could care less how fast it burns as long as it burns well and delivers the goods.

I have been sampling many different Vitolas to see if that makes a difference with the Brown and White labels and so far it had not. On my Birthday this year my loving Wife took me on a little trip to the local B&M for a few cigars. I selected 3 MC’s (1 of each blend – White,
Brown and Platinum) all in the #3 aka Corona size. I figured if they can’t get the Corona right then they can’t get anything right and I am done with them for good. After smoking the White and Brown label….I am pretty much done with them.

Will the Montecristo Platinum No. 3 possibly be able to redeem the Montecristo name? Altadis better hope so if they ever want to see a dime out of me again as I typically tend to stick more with the boutique blenders anyway.

As I unwrap and look over the Montecristo Platinum #3 cigar it looks and feels pretty good. Thank goodness it isn’t rock hard as it’s predecessors were and I imagine it should perform pretty well. There is a sweet and savory cocoa on the wrapper with just a hint of barnyard and wood. It sure smells delectable. Speaking of the wrapper, its visual quality is pretty decent.  The cap is well placed and it definitely feels much better packed that most of the MC’s I have smoked to date. The prelight draw is open with some dried fruit and sweetness.

The Montecristo Platinum No 3 cigar starts off very smooth with a good medium body and a solid core of flavor. There are detectable hints of sweetness mixed with a touch of dried fruit and leather.  A nip of pepper through the nose and a little more on the finish is making me good and satisfied already. There is a sweet creaminess to the smoke as it coats the palate up front and then a slight but present spicy tingle on the finish. Rinse and repeat as necessary….. It doesn’t take long at all before the body starts increasing.

Entering the second 3rd this is certainly heading in the direction of full bodied and if it keeps increasing as it has been it should make it there by the half. The flavor of the Montecristo Platinum No. 3 contiues to wow me with a unique and satisfying profile. Perhaps I finally found the Monte that is right for me. Construction hasn’t even been on my mind since so far this cigar has been a sipping mans dream. 1 puff is all it takes to glean a good volume of smoke. The burn has been perfect and I couldn’t be happier.

There is some good strength to the smoke as I approach the 1/2 of the Montecristo Platinum No. 3 cigar. It isn’t wildly complex or anything but what is there is being delivered in spades and the uniqueness is keeping it more than interesting to me. It is similar to the Brown Label but I have yet to get a brown label that smoked anywhere near as good as this. I love the sweetness in the flavor and aroma. I really dig the background nuances of wood, cocoa, and leather. A tiny touch of jasmine flits in and out on the retrohale. Above all else the solid body without a ton of acidity, the excellent finish and the ultimate  smoothness of this cigar is really what keeps jumping out at me and smacking me down with enjoyment.

The final 3rd of the Montecristo Platinum #3 is a crescendo of flavor, body and strength. Everything is climaxing nicely and I am starting to get a nice nicotine fix. Smooth waves of creamy cocoa coat my palate and then more smoothness on the retrohale featuring wood, jasmine and pepper. Performance has remained perfect and this is one that will go down to the nub.

This Montecristo Platinum No 3 cigar really turned it around for me. I had pretty much had it with MC up until this point and couldn’t even begin to fathom how a) they are still around and b) how they are so widely revered.  Now I can see at least how this cigar is keeping them relevant although with the lowest sticker price of the bunch (white, brown, platinum)  I find it silly that this is clearly the best of the group IMO. You would think the Platinum would be as top shelf as can be with a name like that. Plus Vintage? Come on. This wrapper is over 12 years old and it only cost me $5.70 B&M price? For once I feel like I got a deal at a B&M. I strongly encourage people to try the Montecristo Platinum No. 3 cigar. It is very good. Anyone should be able to enjoy it, most B&M’s should have it and you won’t go broke sampling this one.      93

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Thank you for such an honest and candid review, My Cigar Reviews!!!

[caption id="attachment_347" align="alignleft" width="53" caption="Tabak Especial Robusto Negra at My Discount Cigars"][/caption]

Jonathan Drew and the Drew Estate team do it again! Another successful infused blend by Drew Estate that appeals to cigar lovers AND coffee drinkers all over the world.  The Tabak Especial cigar is the culmination of Drew Estate taking the art of blending coffee and cigars to new heights. The process involves slowly infusing rich tobaccos with the finest Fair Trade harvested coffees from the fertile mountains of Nicaragua into the Tabak Especial line. Drew Estate has created a smoking experience that is pure tobacco velvet upon the palate with the perfect nuance of luscious espresso coffee. The combination results in pleasing yet not overpowering flavors of coffee beans and milk chocolate mixed with savory sweetness and the most enticing aroma.

The Tabak Especial line was designed by Drew Estate as a bridge between the smokers who are used to infused cigars, such as their ACID line, and the more traditional cigars that are not infused, like their Chateau Real line. The Tabak Especial cigar comes in 2 lines, the Dulce (Natural) line and the Negra (Maduro) line. Your choice of either extra-dark Connecticut Broadleaf or natural Connecticut Shade wrappers envelop a Sumatra binder and Nicaraguan Criollo filler leaves. Before aging, the cigars are slowly infused with Nicaraguan estate-grown coffee.

The Tabak Especial comes in several sizes both in the Dulce blend as well as the Negra blend. Here are just some of the sizes available:  Belicoso (5 x 54), Cafecita (4 x 32, 10-count Tin), Corona (4 3/4 x 46), Robusto (5 x 54), Toro (6 x 52), Negra Sampler (5 various Negra cigars), and the Dulce Sampler (5 various Dulce cigars).

[caption id="attachment_346" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Tabak Especial Robusto Dulce Cigars At My Discount Cigars"][/caption]

Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Flavor: Dulce - Mild to Medium, Negra - Medium to Full
Wrapper: Dulce - Connecticut Shade-Grown, Negra - Extra Dark Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Nicaragua Sumatra
Filler: Nicaragua

The cigar smokers who miss the discontinued Drew Estate Kahlua brand, the Tabak Especial cigar is the blend that replaced them. The two blends are nearly identical in flavor. Tantalize your taste buds with a velvety sweet, perfectly balanced Tabak Especial cigar, it's the bomb, we promise. If you have a sweet tooth the Tabak Especial cigar is the cigar for you (you won't even crave dessert after smoking this treat)… it will appeal to even the most die-hard traditionalist!

The Tabak Especial blends are available here at MyDiscountCigar.com.

To read more about the Tabak Especial cigars, please visit DrewEstate.com.

~ Peace, Love, Cigars ~

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Drew Estate's Tabak Especial Toro Negra Cigar Review by Tony Casas

So I decided on the Tabak Especial Toro Negra:

Drew Estate - Tabak Especial - (Image courtesy of cigar.com)

Just like last time cigar.com was really good about shipping these ASAP. If I’m not mistaken they ship from Pennsylvania, and since I live on the western most tip of Texas, I didn’t expect these anytime soon (especially since I’m a cheapskate and shipped value). Again, I was pleasantly surprised to receive my shipment only 3 days later. Each set of 3 cigars came wrapped in cellophane, then placed in air-tight ziplock cigar bags along with humi-care gel packets. Then each bag was shipped in separate boxed filled with air-filled protectant pouches. Pretty impressive.

The Good Stuff:

Strength: Medium  -  Size: 6 x 52  -  Country: Nicaragua  -  Wrapper: Nicaraguan Maduro  -  Binder & Filler: Nicaraguan Sumatra / Nicaraguan Criollo

The Tabak Especial Toro Negra cigar is yet another amazingly constructed cigar by Drew Estate. It’s very rare that you get less than perfect from them. One of the first noticeable difference between this cigar and many others is the fact that it supports what is called “shaggy foot”. What a shaggy footed cigar is a cigar that’s inner filler tobacco leaves extend far further than the wrapper itself. Although it looks a bit funny it holds a purpose. By constructing a  cigar this way you enable the smoker to enjoy the tastes of both the binder/filler tobacco separate than that of the wrapper. Along with this it is believed that it gives off a much more even burn as well.

Prelight: Again, the Tabak Especial Toro by Drew Estate cigar sports a flawless construction. The wrapper is a deep, extremely dark maduro which makes even the smallest flaw stand out. The Tabak Especial’s aroma consisted of very strong coffee with hints of cedar and cocoa. Unlike most other Drew Estates this cigar carries with it a dual band. One on the neck, and one at the foot of cigar. I am assuming this has something to do with the shaggy foot technique. The Tabak Especial Toro has a very well construction rounded cap, and a very oily wrapper. There were no soft spots. Again I am trusting my Cuban Crafters Perfecto double blade cutter, and a standard single flame Colibri torch.

First Smoke: First of all the Drew Estate Tabak Especial Negra Toro cigar was incredibly easy to light. This again, has to do with the shaggy foot. The toasting of the cigar was effortless, and resulted in a complete, perfect burn. The first scents were that of milk chocolate, lined with coffee, and of course tobacco. Unlike the Drew Estate – Rocky Patel Java, this cigar was much more mellow, and a lot sweeter. The cigar produced a very large draw right off the back , with large hefty smoke accompanying it. To my surprise the ask only held on for a little over 3/4 of an inch before releasing into my ash tray. The cigar was moist, so this was a shocker.

Halfway There: One great thing about the Tabak Especial Negra Toro cigar is even halfway through and further the draw doesn’t change, and neither for the strengths and flavor. Tabak Especial is a lighter strength cigar making the smoke very easy and relaxing. The ash is still spilling off quickly, but this is not bothersome in anyway. The cigar remains intact and there is absolutely no unwrapping of any kind.

Finish: As stated in previous posts, I’m not a nub smoker. I usually give in with an inch or so still left. I don’t know if it was the amazing conversation or the fact that this Drew Estate Tabak Especial Negra Toro cigar is so remarkable, but I took it all the way down to nothing. Literally, I burned the tips of my fingers trying to get every last drop outta this thing. This cigar is remarkable. It finishes just as easy as it begins holding its flavor all the way through. Absolutely no signs of unwrapping.

Overview: What can I say?! Drew Estate delivers again. The Tabak Especial Toro Negra is a remarkable cigar, from the burn, and construction to the draw and the flavors. I can honestly say even the most die-hard non-infused cigar smoker would be stupid not the at least give these a run.

On a side note: Recently I reviewed a Rocky Patel – Drew Estate – Java Maduro Box pressed cigar. To sum the differences up is pretty simple. Tabak Especial is a lot creamier, sweeter, and lighter than the Java line. Java boasts HUGE draws, and in your face strengths. Both come from opposites ends of the “coffee infused”  spectrum.

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Thanks for the great review and insight, Tony!

 

[caption id="attachment_295" align="alignright" width="150" caption="E.P. Carrillo New Wave Cigars at My Discount Cigars"][/caption]

E.P. Carrillo New Wave, rated 91 by Cigar Insider, is the newest addition to the E.P. Carrillo line. The E.P. Carrillo New Wave cigar is mild to medium-bodied, bursting with nutty, creamy, sweet and slightly spicy flavors, it is reasonably priced, sophisticated with a refined and long finish. Created by Ernesto Perez-Carrillo (originally known for the La Gloria Cubana cigars), one of the industry's finest cigar artisans, the E.P. Carrillo New Wave cigars are wrapped in a hand-selected, silky Ecuadorian Connecticut shade wrapper, filled with Nicaraguan and Dominican Cuban-seed longfillers, and the finest Dominican binders to create a savory and memorable smoking experience.

The E.P. Carrillo New Wave cigars permeate of honey, hay and wheat. They are a sight to behold with their sheen and silky smoothness to the touch.  Upon lighting the E.P. Carrillo New Wave you are met with intoxicating flavors of cedar, earth, and nutmeg and it holds the consistent medium body throughout the smoking experience. Prepare to be impressed and blown away as the flavors play off each other as you smoke your way through the E.P. Carrillo New Wave cigar experiencing notes of cream, wood, and nuts on the palate, then switching gears to cloves and cinnamon in the second half.

If you tend to favor cigars packed with flavor over body the E.P. Carrillo New Wave cigars are definitely perfect for you! Treat your palate with an array of incredible flavors and spring on a whole box of the E.P. Carrillo New Wave cigars! They are available in 5 different vitolas from the Brillantes (Robusto), Divinos (Toro), El Decano (Double Toro), Gran Via (Churchill) and Stellas (Corona) and come in a white wooden box and white bands (not to be confused with their original line with the black bands). The E P Carrillo New Waves are quite the treat!

Rated 91 by Cigar Insider!

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic

Flavor: Full

Body: Mild to Medium

Wrapper:  Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade

Binder: Dominican Republic

Filler:  Nicaragua, Dominican Republic

E.P. Carrillo New Wave cigars are available online here at MyDiscountCigar.com.

To read more about the E.P. Carrillo please visit EPCarrillo.com.

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The E.P. Carrillo New Wave Connecticut Brillantes Cigar Review by Jameson Santos de Miami of Toasted Foot Cigar Reviews

Size: 5×50, Brillantes

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan and Dominican

Strength: Medium

Price: $4.50-7

Grade: 9.2

The E.P. Carrillo New Wave Connecticut Edition is one of two new releases from the Carrillo family, the other being the Elencos Series, which is the same blend as the Edicion Limitada 2010 Elencos. These two blends are being released now to B&Ms.

The E.P. Carrillo New Wave cigar is available in five sizes and is priced very well. This will be a full addition to their portfolio and will be available year round.

• Stellas: 5 1/8 x 42 ($4.50 retail)
• Brillantes: 5 x 50 ($5.25 retail)
• Divinos: 6 x 52 ($6.25 retail)
• Gran Via: 7 x 49 ($7.00 retail)
• El Decano: 6 x 60 ($7.75 retail)

The EP Carrillo New Wave Brillantes brand has done nothing but blow us away here at Toasted Foot, with ratings of 9.2, 9.2, and 9.3. Their Inaugural Edicion 2009 is still one of the more complex and well balanced cigars I’ve ever had and easily ranks in my Top 10 all time. We’ve also reviewed the Core Line and the Short Run.

We are big fans and the anticipation for the New Wave is even higher for me, as I count Connecticut wrappers as my go to smokes. Now, on to the toast!

Pre-light, 1.7:
The first thing I notice on my two samples of the E.P. Carrillo New Wave Brillantes cigars is a very thin wrapper, that causes cracks across one sample and a very loose foot on the other. Moving beyond this however, there is little else that is negative. A subtle triple cap, an elegant band, and smooth almond colored wrapper highlight the EP Carrillo New Wave Connecticut Brillantes. The aroma on the E.P. Carrillo New Wave Brillantes cigar is incredibly strong – it is in fact one of the strongest cigars I’ve smelled. The pre-light aroma can be deducted from several feet away and has interesting, erratic, and at times musty notes of crisp hay, mild spice, nuts, and a cream that reminds me of a root beer float. This is one of the more lively profiles I’ve smelled in some time and at times is even pungent. Though that may sound negative, it in fact shows the depth of this cigar’s aroma. On the draw, the notes are much more subdued than the aroma and the primarily flavor is of nuts, or cashews specifically. The cut also reveals an open pull.

Burn, 1.7:
Though the one sample had cracking along the bottom half, it still managed to burn well and keep a steady draw. I will say that my two samples were shipped several times, as the first time they were sent to my old mailing address. It does still seem that the wrapper is a bit thin on the New Wave and will require some special care when stored. Overall, this is a clean burning cigar.

Flavor, 2.9:
The initial burst on the E.P. Carrillo New Wave Brillantes cigar is full of sugary cream and a smooth, underlying nuttiness. Moving into the first third, the balance on the cigar is wonderful, with thick creamy notes of butter and cedar. The second third provides a bit of transition, with a slightly fuller and more developed taste that shows all of the flavors merged into a steady profile of roasted nuts and butter. The last stretch of the New Wave is incredibly smooth and holds the most interest for me. Though the flavors are not quite as complex as I anticipated from the aroma, this is still an incredibly well balanced and medium to full flavored cigar, which is rather stunning for an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapped cigar. The E. P. Carrillo New Wave Brillantes cigar is smooth throughout and at times the finish is incredibly light, almost disappearing between draws. The Nicaraguan binder and the mixed Nicaraguan and Dominican binder do very well to complement the typically less flavored Connecticut shade wrapper. This is without question a winner in the flavor category.

Overall, 2.9:
This is not your usual Connecticut cigar and stands above most of what is on the market in this category. Though the burn was troublesome in spots, I attribute this to the shipping errors and not to the quality or construction. The flavor is full while the strength remains in the high Mild to low Medium spectrum. Add to that an excellent value, with the Robusto coming in at under $5, and you find an excellent cigar. I keep waiting for the Carrillo family to miss the mark somewhere, but it just hasn’t happened! If your B&M has these E.P. Carrillo New Wave Brillantes cigars, pick up a 5 pack and enjoy it with a nice cup of coffee. If you're unhappy with them, shoot me an email – I’ll gladly buy them off you!

(Total: 9.2)

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Jameson, an excellent review!!! Thanks!