Video review HERE.
The release of Monte by Montecristo AJ Fernandez brings a
new dynamic element to the collaboration between AJ Fernandez and Altadis U.S.A.
“The Monte by Montecristo line was launched in 2013 to add new dimension to the
traditional Montecristo portfolio—a stronger cigar at an affordable price point,” Altadis
U.S.A. says. “ Today, we’re building on its success with consumers by partnering with AJ
Fernandez to deliver the new Monte by Montecristo AJ Fernandez, crafted to appeal to the
adult consumer demographic with a taste for stronger, bolder smoking experiences,” the
company said.
The new Monte by Montecristo AJ Fernandez is a robust, medium to full-bodied cigar.
Cloaked in a Dark Ecuadorian Habano wrapper and bound with a Corojo ‘98 binder, it
delivers a stout, chocolatey aroma. A Criollo ‘98 and Piloto Cubano Dominican filler yield a
nutty and caramel sweetness. For those who like bold flavor, this smoke will not disappoint.
AJ Fernandez has produced some of the most exciting blends of the past decade by
combining old world technique with his own unique style at his factory in Estelí, Nicaragua.
AJ Fernandez’ reputation for making strong, exquisitely crafted cigars is exceeded with the
new Monte by Montecristo AJ Fernandez.
Available in sizes:
Toro 55x 6” MSRP $11.00 REVIEWED TODAY
Robusto 54x4 ¼ MSRP $10.80
Belicoso 54x6 1/8 MSRP $11.25
Corona 44x5 MSRP $10.50
Box count: 20
Horizontally pressed cigars
The cigar is well made and sports two bands; the main Montecristo band and a large Monte band. The cigar has a nice feel in the hand.
The test draw after cutting the cap was very good. The initial flavors were a sweet orange citrus that is almost overpowered by the massive brown sugar and cinnamon notes. There are also new leather notes. There was black pepper rated at an 8 1/2. You notice it quite a bit on the retro hale. There is a lot of lingering black pepper, even now at this early stage. The finish is a citrus/cream combination with nice lingering black pepper. The cigar is medium bodied at this point.
About 2 inches in (35 minutes) I am at the lower Monte band. The flavors are much like they were at the outset. There is a nice sweetness in this cigar. The sweetness in this cigar is rather candy-like. The cigar is still medium bodied.
At the midpoint (48 minutes) the leather notes are coming out much more. There are also black coffee notes now. The leather and black coffee notes are the lead flavors with the sweeter notes secondary. The cigar is medium to full bodied now. The finish has changed to a cream with leather and coffee notes. 
With about 2 inches remaining (1 hour 13 minutes) the cigar is starting to revert back to the sweeter notes as the main flavor. The leather and coffee notes are still quite noticeable and are about equal to the sweeter notes. But, now there are light whipping cream notes on the front end. The citrus notes are sort of a combination of citrus and cedar. The cigar is still medium to full bodied. 
The cigar lasted 1 hour 33 minutes. A nice burn time. The flavors are about the same as the last segment. The cigar ended at about 80% of the sweetness as it began with. The heavy leather and black coffee remained. The cigar ended at medium to full bodied. This cigar had some changes. This is another good contribution from AJ. These should either be on shelves now or very soon. A very good cigar and a decent price point for Montecristo.
Score: 92
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