I’m back with another exciting video, and today, we’re diving into the Montecristo Open Regatta from Montefortuna Cigars. Having loved the Montecristo No. 2 recently, my hopes are high for this one.
It’s a petite pyramid with a smooth look, despite some minor bumps. The cigar has lived in my humidor for about a month, and it’s time to see what it has to offer.
As I light it up, I notice a bit snug draw, but it’s not too tight. The first few puffs bring out flavors of milk chocolate and black pepper, mingled with a surprising saltiness that reminds me of sunflower seeds.
As I work through the first third, the black pepper steps back, giving way to cedar and tea notes, while remaining mild in strength. It’s a solid option for an all-day smoke, whether you’re enjoying a morning coffee or winding down after dinner.
Key Takeaways
- Mild and flavorful, ideal for any time of day.
- Cedar and tea flavors grow stronger in the final third.
- Snug draw with a mix of milk chocolate and black pepper.
Overview of Cigars
Thoughts on Monte Cristo’s Open Regatta
I recently got the chance to smoke a Monte Cristo Open Regatta, which I received from Monte Fortuna Cigars. This cigar is a petite pyramid, measuring five and three-eighths inches long with a 46 ring gauge. It has tiny, non-intrusive seams and a torpedo head, making for a neat appearance. The wrapper doesn’t have any major lumps and comes with soft tones.
This smoke offers flavors like milk chocolate, black pepper, and tea. It kicks off with an intense hit but then smooths out, leaving a sunflower seed-like saltiness. The draw is a little snug, but it’s not a problem. The strength stays mild throughout, making it perfect for any time of the day.
As I went through the cigar, the flavors developed nicely. The milk chocolate was strong at first but faded a bit, with cedar becoming more prominent. Black pepper added a nice kick too. The burn wasn’t razor-sharp but didn’t need fixing, and the draw remained excellent. It’s not a powerful cigar, so it’s great for those who enjoy lighter options.
In the final part, the cedar flavor took the lead again, along with the return of the tea notes. The finish is decently long, sticking to a medium body with mild strength. I rated the flavor a 17 out of 20, while both the draw and burn earned a 20. Complexity was 16, and strength came in at 15, landing the cigar at 88 out of 100. While not top-tier, it’s a solid choice for a reliable smoke, perfect for any occasion.
First Thoughts
Look and Build
The Montecristo Open Regata is pretty neat with its petite pyramid shape. It measures 5 3/8 inches in length and has a 46 ring gauge. The seams are really tiny and hard to see, which is nice. It’s got a torpedo head that looks clean, and there’s a little bit of bumpiness, but it’s nothing like how some other cigars can be.
I’ve had it in my humidor for about a month, and I’m excited to give it a try.
Beginning Tastes
At first, the flavors are really interesting. There’s a nice mix of milk chocolate, black pepper, and tea. The draw is a bit snug, but it’s not a problem. The milk chocolate hits strong at the start but eases off a bit. There’s also a unique salty taste that reminds me of sunflower seeds.
As I continue, the tea and cedar become more noticeable, with black pepper easing into the background. The overall experience is mild, making it an enjoyable all-day smoke without being too strong.
Enjoying a Smoke
First Phase
I started the session eager to try the Montecristo Open Regata, and it kicked off with a smooth draw. The flavors were a mix of milk chocolate, black pepper, and a hint of tea. This mix was rich right at the start but mellowed out soon after. The smoke had a salty finish, like eating sunflower seeds. The cigar’s strength was mild, a perfect choice for an all-day smoke.
No burn issues here—everything flowed nicely.
Middle Phase
As I moved into this phase, the flavors didn’t change much. Milk chocolate faded a bit, but cedar and black pepper remained strong. The finish lingered just right; not too long, but good enough to keep the experience enjoyable. The cigar remained mild, which, for me, made it versatile enough for any time of day, whether with morning coffee or as a laid-back evening choice.
Final Phase
In the final phase, the flavors shifted again, with cedar becoming more prominent and the tea notes making a comeback. The entire experience stayed smooth with a medium to longer finish. Despite its mild nature, the cigar carried a good body and flavorful experience to the end. For those who like a low-strength but tasty smoke, this one’s a great pick.
I had a seamless experience with the burn and draw too, making it a delight to smoke.
Taste Experience
Main Flavors and Transitions
The Montecristo Open Regatta has been a delight to smoke. From the start, it had a mix of milk chocolate, black pepper, and tea. The initial draw is intense, with the milk chocolate standing out before it softens.
As I got deeper into the cigar, cedar became more noticeable, with the chocolate becoming more subtle. The tea flavor also made a comeback in the final third, adding a nice touch. Throughout the smoking experience, the cigar remained mild in strength, making it an easy choice for any time of the day. I could easily enjoy several of these comfortably, no matter the occasion.
Power and Physique
Rating the Smoke
When I started this cigar journey, the Montecristo Open Regata stood out. The draw was a bit snug at first, but it eased up as I went along. The flavors were something else — I got a taste of milk chocolate, some black pepper, and a bit of tea. Right at the start, the chocolate flavor was strong, then it faded as cedar took the lead. The pepper wasn’t too strong but added a nice kick.
Let me share how I rated it:
- Taste: 17/20
- Draw: 20/20
- Burn: 20/20
- Complexity: 16/20
- Strength: 15/20
That brings the score to 88 out of 100 for me. It’s not the top best, but it’s definitely one I enjoy grabbing anytime. Seems like a cigar you can enjoy any moment, and I really appreciate having those kinds of options.
The overall smoking experience was relaxed, and that’s what it’s all about, right?
Final Thoughts
I’ve really enjoyed diving into the Montecristo Open Regatta, which came from Monte Fortuna Cigars. This cigar has a petite pyramid shape, measuring five and three-eighths with a 46 ring gauge. It’s got a smooth look with tiny seams and a neat torpedo head. After a month in my humidor, it’s held its charm.
From the first draw, the flavors were a delight. I picked up on soft brown sugar with hints of milk chocolate, black pepper, and tea. A bit of saltiness, like the taste after sunflower seeds, added an interesting twist. The flavor balance was just right, making it a medium-bodied experience I could savor all day.
As I moved through the cigar, the cedar notes came forward, and the black pepper mellowed out. The burn stayed consistent, and the draw was perfect, making it a great anytime cigar. Whether paired with morning coffee or enjoyed after dinner, this mild cigar suits any occasion and doesn’t overwhelm with strength.
Grading this cigar, I’d give the flavor 17 out of 20, the draw and burn 20 out of 20 each, complexity 16 out of 20, and strength 15 out of 20, totaling 88 out of 100. It’s a solid choice for those seeking a reliable cigar that guarantees a pleasant smoking experience without being too intense.
Big thanks to Monte Fortuna Cigars for this treat. I’m excited to explore more of their offerings.
